In late October, a group of representatives from companies active in the potato market embarked on a week-long journey through China, organized by the “Potato System” magazine and Agrotrade Group with the support of POTATOES NEWS. This business trip was centered around the 13th China Potato Expo 2023 held from October 23 to 25 in the city of Tenchzhou, Shandong Province. The itinerary included visits to various key locations such as the Xisen Potato Industrial Group Company Limited’s breeding and seedling center, a potato processing equipment factory in Qingdao, agricultural machinery manufacturing plants, and potato processing centers.
Sergey Kokovin, procurement and supply manager at Lorenz Snack-World Production Kirishi, shared his expectations and observations, noting the disparity in technical advancement between Russian and Chinese agricultural equipment showcased at the expo. Despite not visiting potato fields due to the harvest season, the delegation gained insights into the diversity of potato processing products, highlighting China’s innovative approaches.
Dinar Kamaldinov, agronomy manager of the seed program at We Fry LLC, expressed interest in the breeding and seedling center, despite some language barriers. He found China’s focus on traditional methods rather than aeroponics surprising. The tour provided valuable insights into potato processing, with products distributed nationwide and internationally.
Andrey Zubkov, head of the Vsevolozhsk Breeding Station, emphasized the professional networking opportunities and exposure to Chinese potato varieties during the trip. Despite limited time, participants appreciated the chance to exchange experiences and insights with fellow industry professionals, fostering potential future collaborations.
Overall, the journey provided a comprehensive view of China’s potato industry, highlighting technological advancements, product diversity, and potential areas for collaboration between Russian and Chinese counterparts. As both countries continue to innovate and exchange knowledge, the global potato market stands to benefit from their collective expertise and resources.
