Russia is taking a bold step toward strengthening its agri-food independence with the ongoing development of the Grand Fries factory in Oryol Region — a massive potato processing plant that is now slated to begin operations in the second half of 2026, a delay from the originally planned 2025 launch. The project is led by agricultural powerhouse Miratorg in collaboration with the fast-food chain “Vkusno – i tochka.”
With an investment of 19.2 billion rubles, the facility will become one of the largest plants in Russia dedicated to deep potato processing. It will produce not only french fries, but also potato flakes, wedges, and hash browns, all using select potato varieties cultivated by Miratorg to meet the highest standards in processing quality.
The delay, announced by Oryol Governor Andrey Klychkov, was attributed to the scale and complexity of the project. Nevertheless, construction continues steadily, and the recruitment of specialists has already begun, signaling that the plant is approaching its final phase.
Building Capacity for Domestic Resilience
The facility is designed to process up to 135,000 tons of potatoes annually, serving both “Vkusno – i tochka” and other foodservice operators in the HoReCa sector. This increase in capacity is critical. According to Tridge and USDA reports, Russia imported over 50,000 tons of frozen potato products in 2022, largely from the EU. Rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have heightened the urgency of domestic substitution in key food categories.
Grand Fries will significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imports of frozen fries and related products, stabilizing prices and securing year-round availability of high-quality processed potatoes for Russian businesses.
Strategic Support and Local Impact
Registered in February 2023, OOO Grand Fries has a charter capital of 10 million rubles. The company is equally owned by Miratorg and АО “GK Plus Management”, a firm controlled by Russian entrepreneur Alexander Govor — who also owns “Vkusno – i tochka.”
The regional government has pledged ongoing support for the initiative. Governor Klychkov emphasized the plant’s strategic role in boosting the agro-industrial complex (AIC) of the region, stimulating employment, innovation, and investment.
Furthermore, the project aligns with broader federal priorities: reducing reliance on imports, supporting rural development, and increasing value-added production within Russia’s agricultural sector.
Though delayed, the Grand Fries project is set to be a transformative development in Russia’s potato supply chain. It represents a powerful example of vertical integration — from growing to processing to foodservice — and will serve as a cornerstone of food security and economic growth in the Oryol Region and beyond. For agronomists, farm owners, and processors, this signals a new chapter of opportunity in potato cultivation and industrial collaboration.
