Ukraine starts building its first potato processing plant

UKRAINE – Ukraine has started construction of its first full-cycle potato processing plant, a major step led by the agricultural company MAIS.

The facility will produce frozen French fries, potato flakes, and flour, marking a shift for a market that has long depended on imports and lacked large-scale processing.

According to Latifundist.com, the project officially began this month and is set to begin operations within two years. The plant will produce up to 60,000 tonnes of finished products each year, requiring around 180,000 tonnes of raw potatoes.

The new plant will source potatoes both from MAIS farms and contracted growers within a 150-kilometre radius. The company already has storage for 20,000 tonnes of potatoes and plans to expand capacity as output increases.

MAIS founder Serhii Tereshchuk said the project reflects a long-term effort to add value within Ukraine’s agricultural sector. “Ukraine has great potential in potato production but lacks processing capacity,” he told Latifundist.com. “We want to create a more structured and predictable potato market and help the country compete both domestically and internationally.”

The first phase includes production lines for potato flakes and flour. Equipment has already been purchased and installation is underway. Once operations begin, the facility will supply both local and export markets, including the European Union and the Middle East, where demand for processed potato products is growing.

Filling a gap in the market

Despite being among the top potato-producing countries, Ukraine has little processing infrastructure. Most of its harvest goes directly to the raw market. Each year, about 30,000 tonnes of frozen French fries are imported to supply local restaurants and foodservice businesses. MAIS hopes to reduce this dependence by offering locally made products.

Industry analysts believe the project will help modernize Ukraine’s potato sector. It mirrors how the country’s dairy industry grew from small farms to more advanced producers through new investments and technology.

The MAIS plant joins a growing list of agricultural investments in Ukraine focused on value addition and food exports. Recently, the government announced plans to attract private investors to develop more food processing facilities, particularly in regions recovering from conflict.

Observers expect the new plant to open in 2027. Many see it as a turning point for Ukraine’s potato industry. As Tereshchuk put it, “This project is not only about processing potatoes. It is about creating stability for growers, new jobs for communities, and a stronger position for Ukraine in regional trade.”

With construction underway and equipment installations progressing, Ukraine’s first potato processing facility signals a new phase for its agri-food sector, one focused on local value creation and stronger export potential.

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