In a landmark move for Russia’s agricultural and food processing sectors, Miratorg, one of the country’s largest vertically integrated agroholdings, is moving forward with the construction of Grand Fries, a state-of-the-art potato processing plant in the Mtsensk district of Oryol Region. The project, developed in collaboration with the fast-food chain “Vkusno – i tochka”, is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026, with investments totaling 19.2 billion rubles.
The plant, whose construction began in 2023, has already taken physical shape. Upon completion, Grand Fries will produce a range of popular potato-based products — including french fries, potato flakes, wedges, and hash browns — all tailored to meet the strict quality standards of Vkusno – i tochka and other HoReCa clients. Raw materials will come from select potato varieties grown by Miratorg, ensuring traceability, consistency, and high processing quality.
Growing Domestic Capacity Amid Global Trends
This development comes at a critical time. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global frozen potato market was valued at USD 67.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 92.4 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%. The HoReCa sector remains the key driver of demand for frozen fries and processed potato products worldwide, and Russia is no exception.
Despite significant domestic production, Russia has historically relied on imports for a large share of its processed potato supply. The launch of Grand Fries represents a strategic move to reduce import dependency and strengthen the country’s food sovereignty in processed agricultural goods.
Job Creation and Environmental Focus
The plant is projected to create around 400 new jobs, with hiring already underway. Moreover, Grand Fries stands out for its environmental commitment. The company is investing 1 billion rubles in modern wastewater treatment systems designed using both domestic and international best practices. These facilities aim to ensure that effluents meet Russian environmental standards. Negotiations are also ongoing to connect the plant to the municipal sewage collector of Mtsensk.
Economic Impact
Beyond employment and import substitution, Grand Fries is expected to generate 2.24 billion rubles in annual tax revenues across all levels of government once it reaches full capacity. This projection takes into account tax benefits granted under the Oryol Region Special Economic Zone (OEZ “Orel”), where the plant is located.
The Grand Fries project is more than a new factory — it’s a symbol of Russia’s evolving agri-food infrastructure. By combining domestic raw materials, advanced processing technologies, and strategic public-private partnerships, the initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable, high-value food production in Russia. For farmers, agronomists, and industry professionals, this is a sign of growing opportunities in potato cultivation, contract farming, and food innovation in the region and beyond.
