Empowering Farmers and Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in the Frozen Food Industry
HyFun Foods, one of the largest processors of potatoes into frozen French fries and potato specialties, is set to make a significant impact on the global potato industry with its innovative approach and entreprenurship. The company, which originated as a humble potato and onion farm in 1962, has evolved into a global leader in the frozen potato market since its establishment as a brand in 2015 by the third generation of entrepreneurs.
A Commitment to Quality and Innovation.
The company’s product line includes frozen French fries, burger patties, cheese poppers, and more, all made from premium ingredients that undergo rigorous quality checks at every stage of production. Trusted by leading global brands, HyFun’s products are a preferred choice for the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Café) sector, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), and consumers both in India and internationally.
HyFun Foods operates under a unique Seed-to-Shelf business model, which ensures that the company maintains strict quality control from seed multiplication to the final product. By implementing a comprehensive agriculture program and engaging in contract farming, HyFun collaborates with over 6,000 farmers, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. This model allows HyFun to procure over 300,000 tons of potatoes this year, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality raw materials for processing.
Strong Market Presence and Future Prospects.
With a remarkable revenue growth of 20% in the current financial year, HyFun Foods is optimistic about surpassing the INR 15 Billion milestone in the fiscal year 2024-25. Currently, 70% of the company’s revenue is generated from exports to over 40 countries, while the remaining 30% comes from the domestic market. The brand has established its strong presence in Gujarat, partnering with all DMart outlets in the region and ensuring extensive availability through over 1,500 Reliance stores nationwide.
HyFun Foods is not only a proud contributor to the ‘Make in India’ initiative but is also poised for ambitious expansion plans. The brand’s revamped identity serves as a catalyst for growth, and its commitment to quality and sustainability positions it favorably in the competitive frozen food landscape.
Expanding Manufacturing Capacity
To meet the increasing demand for its products in both international and domestic markets, HyFun Foods is investing INR 11 Billion to open three state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Gujarat. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s manufacturing capacity significantly. Currently, HyFun boasts a production capacity of 150,000 tons of finished products and processes approximately 320,000 tons of raw potatoes each year. Upon commissioning the new factories, this capacity is expected to increase to 300,000 tons of finished products and 500,000 tons of processed potatoes, positioning HyFun Foods as a formidable player in the frozen food sector.
Advanced Cold Storage Facilities
HyFun Foods operates an in-house sub-zero cold storage facility. This facility combats fluctuating temperature levels through dehumidification and advanced climate control, ensuring that the crop remains in optimal condition. With this robust storage capacity, HyFun is well-stocked throughout the year, enabling the company to consistently meet demands with high-quality produce.
At HyFun, operations and technology fuse seamlessly to create a completely integrated processing unit spread across 20 acres. The infrastructure features a fully automated processing line imported from Europe, ensuring zero human intervention, which maintains consistent quality and hygiene standards. The company practices Individual Quick Freezing (IQF), preserving potatoes in their farm-fresh condition for over a year.
The HyFarm Initiative: Empowering Farmers
Recently, HyFun Foods launched the HyFarm initiative, an agricultural produce procurement and farmer connect program, pledging INR 1 Billion to revolutionize fresh produce procurement of 300,000 tonnes of processing-grade potatoes, HyFarm aims to bring 30,000 farmers into its fold by 2030. With this ambitious goal, HyFarm exemplifies HyFun Foods’ constant dedication to utilizing India’s abundant fresh products and developing a backward integrated business strategy.
HyFun Foods’ success is greatly attributed to its fresh produce, and with this project, the company hopes to further solidify its commitment to obtaining premium fresh food while empowering farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture. While focusing initially on processing-grade potatoes, HyFarm plans to expand its procurement efforts to include table and chipping varieties, targeting a goal of one million tonnes by 2028. Furthermore, HyFarm is gearing up to diversify its procurement to a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, creating year-round opportunities for farmers beyond the traditional five-month potato season.
Beyond procurement, HyFarm is committed to empowering farmers through technology. A digital platform will provide access to agricultural best practices, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in farming operations.
Commitment to Sustainability
HyFun Foods is dedicated to sustainability, and the HyFarm initiative exemplifies this commitment. Utilizing regenerative agriculture techniques, HyFarm emphasizes water conservation, reduced fertilizer use, and healthy soil promotion, ensuring a sustainable farming industry for the future. By integrating partnerships, technology, and innovative practices, HyFarm aims to enhance value chains for fresh produce and deliver premium products to markets worldwide.
For farmers, agronomists, and entrepreneurs involved in potato cultivation, HyFun Foods represents a promising opportunity for collaboration and growth. With its strategic investments, advanced cold storage solutions, and innovative initiatives like HyFarm, HyFun Foods is paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in the potato processing industry. As the company continues to expand, it invites stakeholders to join in this journey toward excellence and innovation in the world of frozen food.
