The strategic modernization of packaging operations at Serbia’s Chips Way demonstrates how technological investment in the post-farmgate segment creates ripple effects of efficiency throughout the entire potato value chain. Facing rising demand for its Čačanski čips and Gricko brands across eleven European countries, the company invested in three of Ishida Europe’s Inspira Integrated Total Packaging Systems (iTPS). These fully automated lines, each combining an 18-head multihead weigher with two rotary bagmakers, have delivered transformative results. The systems enabled Chips Way to triple its overall packaging capacity, achieving a dramatic reduction in labor requirements: the company can now pack in two shifts what previously required six. For a 40g pack, production rates jumped to 70-80 bags per minute per bagmaker, with peak speeds of 120 BPM for potato crisps, representing a nearly 100% increase in packing speed per kilogram.
These gains are not merely about speed; they are about precision and flexibility, which are crucial for profitability in a competitive market. The Ishida systems reduced product “giveaway”—the costly overfilling of bags—by 2%, directly improving the yield from every tonne of processed potatoes. Furthermore, the agility of the new technology is a significant competitive advantage. Changeover times between different products were slashed from 20 minutes to just 5 minutes, a task that can now be handled by line operators without specialized technical staff. This operational flexibility allows for a more responsive and diverse product portfolio. This case aligns with global trends in food processing; a 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on agro-industrial competitiveness emphasized that investments in automation and smart packaging are key drivers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing regions to compete in international markets, reduce food loss, and improve margins.
The Chips Way case study underscores a vital lesson for the entire agricultural sector: maximizing the value of a harvest does not end at the farm gate or the processing line. Strategic investment in the final packaging stage is a powerful lever for enhancing competitiveness, reducing waste, and improving profitability. For potato growers, this translates to more stable and potentially expanded demand from processors who can operate more efficiently. For agronomists and agricultural engineers, it highlights the growing importance of understanding the entire supply chain, as gains in one area can unlock value in another. Ultimately, the integration of such high-efficiency, flexible packaging systems is essential for building resilient, market-responsive agricultural businesses capable of thriving in a globalized economy.
