A new review published in the peer-reviewed journal Food provides an updated assessment of the global potato processing industry. Authored by X. Hu and colleagues, the paper analyses efficiency gains, persistent supply-chain weaknesses, and emerging environmental constraints across major producing regions in Asia, Europe, and North America.
According to the review, China now leads the world in total potato processing capacity, driven by rising domestic consumption and government policies promoting value-added agri-food industries. Europe and North America continue to dominate higher-value segments such as frozen fries, crisps, and dehydrated products. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany remain key export centres, while the United States maintains one of the most vertically integrated supply systems linking contracted growers to large processors.
Emerging economies, including India, are expanding domestic processing bases, though many continue to face challenges with raw material consistency and infrastructure.
The review identifies raw potato supply reliability as the main structural weakness in many developing markets. Variability in tuber size and shape increases trimming losses, while inadequate cold storage leads to sugar accumulation and sprouting. Weak contractual frameworks between growers and processors further reduce the predictability of supply. These inefficiencies raise energy consumption and waste, constraining year-round output.
Potato processing remains resource-intensive, with the highest energy and water use during peeling, blanching, and drying. Many plants still rely on thermal systems with limited energy recovery, while wastewater from starch extraction and washing poses environmental risks if untreated. The paper notes ongoing efforts to utilize byproducts such as peels, pulp, and process water through fibre extraction, protein recovery, and bioenergy generation.
Hu and colleagues outline several technologies with potential to improve yield and sustainability, including membrane filtration for process water recycling, infrared and vacuum drying to lower energy use, and AI-based sensors for defect detection and production optimisation. Enzymatic and microbial processing are also being studied for converting byproducts into new value-added materials.
Global consumers increasingly prefer cleaner-label processed potato products with reduced sodium and fat, adding complexity for processors, particularly in developing economies. Meanwhile, rising demand for frozen and convenience foods continues to drive capacity expansion in urban markets.
The review concludes that the sector's long-term competitiveness will depend on stronger integration between farms and processors, investment in cold-chain infrastructure, adoption of resource-efficient technologies, and more comprehensive sustainability metrics. It also highlights ongoing data gaps in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where processing capacity is expanding but documentation remains limited.
Source: Potato News Today
