Bijnor, India — Flemish fries and potato-based products producer Agristo officially commenced the construction of a new fries production line at its Bijnor site in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.
The ceremony was marked by the presence of Princess Astrid of Belgium, who symbolically broke ground as part of an ongoing economic mission to India, the world’s fifth-largest economy.
The delegation, which included Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, visited the Agristo Masa factory on Sunday afternoon.
The event attracted numerous journalists from both India and Belgium, underscoring the significance of this expansion for the Belgian agribusiness sector.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
The Bijnor site represents Agristo’s first venture outside Europe and serves both national and international markets, including North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
This latest expansion follows the inauguration of a potato flakes factory in July 2022, which was built at a cost of just over €25 million.
The new €80 million investment will raise the total investment to over €105 million and is expected to quintuple the site’s potato processing capacity, enabling the production of frozen fries by 2026.
The expansion is also set to double the site’s workforce, which currently stands at around 150 employees. By enhancing production capabilities, Agristo aims to tap into the substantial potential of the Indian market, home to more than a billion consumers.
The new production line is anticipated to play a crucial role in meeting growing demand for frozen fries in India and beyond.
Boost for Local Agriculture
The Bijnor facility has already made a significant impact on local agriculture. Potato crop productivity has surged from 17 tonnes per hectare to 32 tonnes per hectare, one of the highest yields recorded in India.
Over 2,500 farmers are expected to benefit directly from Agristo’s expansion, gaining access to improved agricultural practices and a reliable market for their produce.
Commenting on the development, an Agristo representative emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and local partnerships.
“Our goal is to create a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with local farmers by providing them with the resources and knowledge needed to maximize productivity,” the representative stated.
Strategic Move Amid Growing Demand
Agristo’s expansion into India comes amid a worldwide surge in demand for frozen fries and related products.
The company’s decision to establish a production base in India not only reduces logistical challenges but also aligns with efforts by Belgian marketers to promote Belgian fries in Southeast Asia and other emerging markets.
Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele highlighted the importance of the expansion for Belgium’s export-driven economy.
“Agristo’s investment demonstrates the strength of Flemish enterprises in the global market and their ability to create value through innovation and sustainability,” he said.
The new production line is expected to bolster Agristo’s capacity to serve international markets while establishing a stronger presence in the fast-growing Indian market.
As the facility gears up to produce frozen fries by 2026, the project reflects a broader trend of European agribusinesses expanding into Asia to capitalize on rising consumer demand.
Agristo’s expansion at the Bijnor site is set to become a milestone in the company’s growth trajectory, positioning it as a key player in the global frozen fries market.
