Chapter 2 - Global markets for processed potato products

Abstract

This chapter is an essay on the global potato-processing industry from the personal perspective of a former agro R&D manager in a major snack food company. During the authors' employment of 25 years in the industry, significant expansion has occurred not only in the global market for chips (crisps in the UK) but also for French fries (chips in the UK) and other processed potato products. In the pages that follow, the author has tried to marry his understanding of potato science with a new understanding about markets, based on research undertaken during the preparation of this chapter. According to the Union of the European Processing Companies, in 2002 the process accounted for 2 million tons of potato utilization in the EU. The history of potato processing covers this part elaborately. Global production and consumption, trends, and drivers are summarized under current dimensions. Potato-processing companies and locations are also outlined. The situation described has an important bearing on the future volume expansion in the international trade of frozen potato products. A continuing potato supply of acceptable quality for processing into chips and French fries is critical to success. Supply chain and variety requirements are the titles of potato supply whereas potato cost covers theory and practice and contracts. A great deal has been written about potato quality requirements for the potato-processing industry. Quality parameters are outlined separately.