June 30 2006, 08:31

Ukraine is in focus of attention of large potato processors

Andrey Yarmak, the Deputy Director of the Agricultural Marketing Project made a report on one of the most prestigious forums of world potato business International Potato Processing and Storage Convention which was held June 26th - 29th 2006 in Poland. The expert's report was almost fully dedicated to the overview of the investment opportunities of Ukrainian potato business: from potato production and handling to potato processing and trade.

It is worth mentioning that forum was organized and conducted on a very high level. Practically all leaders of world potato business were presented there. The companies - players of potato market from 27 countries participated in the event; they represented practically all continents.

Warsaw was chosen as a venue of the congress not by a chance: Poland is one the world largest players in potato business. At once several large Polish companies participated in the event, including Farm Frites Poland SA company. This company is one of the main suppliers of frozen French fries to markets of GIS countries including Ukraine. The representatives of McCain company took part in the forum too; this firm is one of the largest players on world potato market and probably the largest player of world market of frozen French fries. It sells products to 110 countries. Of course, McDonalds was sure to participate as one of world largest consumers of frozen French fries.

Much attention was devoted to the questions of potato processing during the congress; it is quite natural that the largest producers of chips, starch and other potato products were among the participants. Such players as Pepsico International and Procter & Gamble are worth mentioning as the largest chips producers. These companies show interest to the dynamically growing Ukrainian market of snacks and chips. At present moment Kraft Foods company has the leading position due to chips production in Ukraine.

The report done by A. Yarmak arose much interest among the congress participants. In particular, at once several companies - suppliers of equipment and assets for potato production, handling and storage expressed their interest either to search partners and distributors or to open representative offices in our country. The companies-processors inquired about the opportunities to set up own production in our country; they are attracted by the growing consumption of processed potato and low competition on this market. The participants were also interested to hear about international conference-exhibition "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2006": at once several congress participants decided to take part in it.