Belgian company Agristo expands French fries production in India
Belgian potato processor Agristo is expanding its operations in India with a new production line for frozen French fries. The 80 million euro project, launched during an economic mission to the country, will increase processing capacity fivefold at the company's site in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.
Agristo has been active in India since 2019 through a joint venture with local company Masa. The partnership has improved potato yields and optimised supply chains. The expansion will double the factory's workforce from 150 to 300.
Strong potential
The company sees strong potential in the Indian market, where per capita potato consumption is 10 times lower than in the UK but is growing rapidly. By producing locally, Agristo avoids India's 30 per cent import tax and aims to supply both domestic consumers and export markets such as the Middle East and Indonesia.
The project has strong links with West Flanders, with key suppliers including Vyncke for steam boilers, AVR for harvesting machinery and Ekopak for wastewater recycling. Minister president Matthias Diependaele, who is part of the delegation to India, praised the initiative, highlighting India's huge growth opportunities for international business. Production is expected to start in 2026.
#FlandersNewsService | Foreign minister Maxime Prevot, Uttar Pradesh Finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna and Flemish minister president Matthias Diependaele visit the Agristo plant in New Delhi © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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