As part of the ongoing International Potato Tour (IPT), our team visited Pakistan — a country with dynamic agricultural potential and distinctive characteristics in the potato sector. The trip combined in-depth industry discussions, factory tours, and high-level meetings with local leadership, including executives and founders of one of the nation’s emerging potato processing companies — Rafiq Farm Foods.
Local Leadership, Vertical Integration, and Commitment to Quality
Pakistan’s potato sector demonstrates strong entrepreneurial energy and a growing focus on vertical integration. Leaders we met explained how they manage their own cultivation, storage, and processing operations, ensuring quality from field to finished product — a global best-practice trend.
A key part of our visit included discussions with managers and founders of Rafiq Farm Foods, an important supplier of frozen French fries and potato specialties in Pakistan. The company is actively developing its processing operations to meet growing local demand and aims to strengthen both domestic supply and potential export opportunities.
During these discussions, leaders shared insights into operational challenges, market opportunities, and strategic growth plans amid a rapidly evolving business environment. This exchange underscored the importance of shared expertise and international cooperation in building resilient potato value chains.
Factory Operations: Production Cycles and Storage
Our factory visits revealed robust and well-structured production practices. Key operations run six days per week with one dedicated cleaning day, operating around the clock during peak season.
Producers also emphasised the importance of controlled storage conditions and close monitoring of factors such as CO₂ levels and sugar content to prepare potatoes for optimal processing. This careful post-harvest management supports consistent quality for French fries and other potato products throughout the season.
Varietal Adaptation and Market Preferences
A recurring theme was the importance of choosing the right potato varieties for local conditions. While some European varieties such as Fontana produce yellow flesh preferred in many markets, they do not perform equally well across all Pakistani growing regions. Varieties like Santana and Alveston Russet have become more widely used due to their suitability for storage and processing quality.
Producers also discussed consumer preferences — for instance, many local customers favour yellow-fleshed French fries, contrasting with some other markets where white-fleshed products remain popular.
Challenges and Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Participants candidly shared challenges facing Pakistan’s potato industry, including:
- Cultivation practices: Ensuring high dry matter and consistent quality remains challenging, particularly when relying on farm partnerships or contract farming models.
- Market infrastructure: Cold storage availability and logistical coordination are critical to reducing post-harvest losses and stabilising supply chains.
- Innovation adoption: There is ongoing interest in value-added products such as flakes, as well as modern processing technologies that can enhance operational efficiency.
The exchange of ideas highlighted how collaboration and knowledge sharing can help address these challenges. As one IPT participant noted, “Connecting potato people is vital — shared knowledge enriches the industry collectively.”
Global Networking and Industry Outlook
Conversations during the visit extended to global networking opportunities, including invitations to upcoming international summits and the potential for cross-country collaborations. Engagements with Pakistani producers and representatives suggested that building global links can unlock new avenues for investment, technology exchange, and market expansion.
Conclusion
The Pakistan leg of the International Potato Tour reaffirmed that while the country’s potato sector faces unique operational and climatic challenges, it also offers significant growth potential. Companies like Rafiq Farm Foods are at the forefront of this development, combining local insight with strategic ambition to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global potato processing landscape.
As IPT continues connecting stakeholders across continents, Pakistan stands out as a vibrant and important partner in the evolving story of the global potato industry.
