In a significant move for the Romanian agricultural sector, Grup Şerban Holding has announced plans to invest €62.5 million in two major projects focused on potato storage and processing. These projects, approved for financing by the Agenţia pentru Finanțarea Investițiilor Rurale (AFIR), aim to synergize industrialization, cultivation, and processing of potatoes, ensuring higher quality and sustainability across the production chain.
Frozen French Fries and Potato Flakes Processing Line
One of the centerpiece projects is the establishment of a robotic processing line for frozen French fries and potato flakes in Sascut, Bacău County. Officially submitted on December 24, 2023, and approved for funding on September 24, 2024, this project will feature the largest potato processing line in Romania, designed to produce 30,000 tons of French fries and 6,000 tons of potato flakes annually.
With a processing capacity of 6 tons per hour for fried potatoes and 1.2 tons per hour for potato flakes, this facility is expected to cater to both domestic and international markets. Nicolae Șerban, the founder of Grup Şerban Holding, emphasized the need for expanding the potato processing industry in Romania, stating, “Companies that stop expanding die sooner or later.”
Sustainable Social Ecosystem Initiative
In addition to processing, the company is implementing the Sustainable Social Ecosystem program. This initiative aims to empower local farmers by sharing agribusiness knowledge and encouraging sustainable practices. By integrating local produce into their supply chain, Grup Şerban Holding not only supports the regional economy but also works towards reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable agricultural technologies.
“The fact that we use potatoes from our production, as well as potatoes from the production of local farmers, is a major advantage,” remarked Șerban. This local sourcing strategy enhances quality control and ensures the delivery of high-quality products.
Potato Storage and Processing Warehouses
Complementing the processing facility, Grup Şerban Holding is embarking on a second project to build five cold storage warehouses, each with a capacity of 6,000 tons, for a total of 30,000 tons. This project also includes a 5,000 square meter logistics warehouse and a sorting, washing, and packaging line with a capacity of 10 tons per hour. Once completed, this facility will significantly bolster the company’s cold storage capacity, positioning Grup Şerban Holding as a leader in refrigerated storage in Romania, with a total capacity of 51,500 tons.
Grup Şerban Holding’s investment in potato storage and processing represents a significant advancement in Romania’s agricultural sector. By integrating local farmers into their supply chain and adopting sustainable practices, the company is not only enhancing productivity but also fostering a more resilient agricultural ecosystem. As these projects come to fruition, they are poised to set a benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices and efficient food processing in Romania and beyond.
