First Choice Foods Ltd, a Rupandehi-based potato processing company exporting French fries to the United States, is preparing to expand shipments to the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The company began production in mid-June 2025 and moved into the U.S. market within a few months. Founder and executive chairperson Krishna Prasad Paudel said, "We aim to begin shipments to the UK within mid-December, and to Japan and Australia by mid-February."
The company exports under the Himalayan Crisp brand from its processing plant in Shuddhodhan–4, Rupandehi, producing French fries and other potato-based items.
Paudel said entry into the U.S. began after contacting an importer by email in mid-September. Around 2 kg of French fries were sent for FDA testing, which he said cost Rs 500,000 to 600,000, or roughly US$3,700 to US$4,400. After approval, the company received an export order requiring 40 containers between mid-February and mid-March. Paudel said 42 tonnes have been shipped so far.
Domestic demand for French fries is rising, but Paudel said finding institutional buyers remains difficult. Interest increased after news of exports. "We have now begun supplying to some five-star hotels and KFC outlets," he said. He added that domestic market expansion is constrained by the limited promotion of local products. "We only want proper lab testing to ensure imported products are safe for consumption," he said.
The company uses mainly Nepali potatoes supplemented with some Indian supply, but plans to source only Nepali potatoes from next year. The plant can process 2.5 tonnes of French fries per hour.
To increase the domestic potato supply, the company is supporting farmers in 26 districts. It works with 35,000 farmers, providing training in cultivation, production, and machinery use. "We buy the potatoes they produce, and since they are assured of both market and price, farmers are eager to join us," Paudel said.
A mechanized potato farming project has started in Tikapur, Kailali. Paudel said mechanized planting reduces labour costs by 80 percent. The company has leased 22 bighas, or about 7.3 hectares, from Birendranagar Bidhya Mandir and another 15 bighas, or about 5 hectares, from Tikapur Multiple Campus. Training for agriculture students in technology-based potato farming and seed production has also begun.
Paudel said discussions with Sudurpashchim Province officials include a proposal to develop Tikapur as a "potato hub." "We have proposed that the province provide 400 to 500 bighas of land from next year," he said. The company would supply technology and machinery and commit to buying the harvested potatoes at a set purchase price.
Paudel said the plant was established with an investment of Rs 2 billion, or about US$14.7 million.
Source: New Business Age
