China is increasing potato processing and conquering the global market

The global potato processing market has changed significantly in recent decades, and China is beginning to influence its structure, according to a study by scientists from the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the State Key Laboratory for the Effective Use of Dry and Semi-Arid Arable Lands of North China, the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Gansu Institute of Agricultural Products Storage and Processing of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The paper was published in the journal Foods.

The researchers report that the global market for processed potatoes was estimated at $40.97 billion in 2023 and could grow to $60.08 billion by 2031.

Despite being the world’s largest potato producer, China processes about 15% of the crop. India processes about 7%. In contrast, the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium have significantly higher levels of processing, thanks to modern technology, automation, and effective quality control systems.

The article notes that China is developing rapidly but still lags behind world leaders in productivity, automation, and product quality. The biggest differences are in the production of French fries, potato chips, potato flakes, and starch, as well as in sustainability and competitiveness.

A major turning point came in 2022, when China became a net exporter of frozen French fries for the first time. The researchers note that this signals an improvement in product quality and a strengthening of its position in international markets.

Looking ahead, the industry will move toward greater automation, innovation, by-product processing, and deeper integration into global markets.ф

Tags: China, Processing, potato