Uttarakhand Exports First 24-Tonne Shipment of Frozen French Fries to Iraq

Uttarakhand has entered the international market for frozen potato products with the first export of 24 tonnes of frozen French fries from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district to Iraq. The shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was exported by Virun Global Trade Private Limited.

The consignment marks an important step in expanding value-added agricultural exports from Uttarakhand and strengthening India’s processed-food export portfolio. It also demonstrates the growing potential of the state’s food-processing industry to reach overseas markets despite the logistical challenges faced by landlocked regions.

Kashipur has emerged as a significant industrial and agro-processing centre because of its proximity to the agricultural production areas of the Terai region. The export of frozen French fries is expected to generate opportunities for potato growers, food processors, packaging companies, cold-chain operators and logistics providers.

The exporter expressed confidence that the quality of the product would help secure repeat orders and support long-term commercial relationships with international buyers. Regular export orders could expand processing activity in the region and create a more stable market for locally sourced agricultural produce.

APEDA has supported the exporter’s participation in major domestic and international food exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India. These events allow Indian companies to connect with overseas buyers, distributors, retailers and food-service businesses while gaining a better understanding of international quality standards, packaging requirements, consumer preferences and import regulations.

India has continued to expand its presence in the global market for processed agricultural products. During the financial year 2025–26, the country exported 7,26,874.70 tonnes of processed vegetables valued at USD 932.25 million. Value-added potato products accounted for 2,77,108.51 tonnes of exports worth USD 289.40 million.

Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10 per cent of APEDA’s scheduled exports during the year. The growing demand for frozen French fries, potato flakes, dehydrated products and other processed foods reflects India’s gradual movement from the export of raw agricultural produce towards higher-value manufactured food products.

Processing agricultural commodities improves shelf life, supports long-distance transportation and enables producers to capture a greater share of the final product value. It also helps reduce post-harvest losses by allowing produce to be graded, processed, frozen and packaged close to production areas.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said logistics costs remain a major factor affecting the competitiveness of exports from landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. Exporters must transport goods over considerable distances to seaports or international cargo terminals, while frozen products require uninterrupted temperature-controlled movement.

APEDA is working with the Government of Uttarakhand on the formulation and implementation of a State Agri Export Policy. The proposed policy includes provisions for transport assistance aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving access to international markets.

The development of cold-storage facilities, reefer transport, testing laboratories, cargo consolidation centres and improved road connectivity could further strengthen Uttarakhand’s export potential. Such infrastructure would support processors in maintaining product quality while reducing transit delays and operational expenses.

The expansion of the processed-food industry is also expected to create stronger linkages between farmers and export-oriented supply chains. Frozen French fry production requires potatoes with specific qualities relating to size, dry-matter content, sugar levels and processing suitability. Organised procurement and contract farming can encourage farmers to cultivate suitable varieties and adopt improved production practices.

Local value addition can create employment in processing, quality control, packaging, storage and transportation. It can also provide farmers with access to more dependable markets and better price realisation.

Uttarakhand already has a growing network of food-processing enterprises supported by agricultural production in the plains and specialised crops cultivated across the Himalayan region. The first shipment of frozen French fries to Iraq could open the way for exports of other products, including frozen vegetables, fruit preparations, ready-to-eat foods and value-added agricultural goods.

APEDA continues to coordinate with State Governments, exporters, processors, Farmer Producer Organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure and improve access to overseas markets. The first 24-tonne shipment represents an important beginning for Uttarakhand’s frozen-food sector and establishes a commercial route that could support larger and more regular exports in the coming years.

Source: PIB