The potato industry is experiencing a transformative moment in Dingshi City, Gansu Province, as highlighted by the recent 14th China International Potato Expo and the 2024 China Dingshi Potato Conference. These events not only spotlight the quality and versatility of potatoes, particularly the Longshu No. 7 variety but also showcase innovative approaches to potato processing and marketing. With its fine texture and excellent flavor, Longshu No. 7 is becoming a favorite among consumers and producers alike.
One notable participant, Gansu Yiwei Qiancheng Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., has established a presence in the local market by focusing on fresh potato processing. Wu Guoqiang, a company representative, explained, “We set up our branch in Weiyuan County last year, primarily using Dingshi potatoes for fresh food processing. Our offerings include crispy potato snacks, Chinese-style fries, and various other products aimed at reaching a national audience.” The company has reported impressive sales, with monthly sales of crispy potato snacks alone reaching 30,000 units.
Expanding the Industry Chain
The momentum in the potato industry is further illustrated by Gansu Shuxiangyuan Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., which has invested 82 million yuan since 2022 to develop production lines for potato-based snacks and cookies. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance product variety and extend the industry chain, achieving integrated development across production, processing, and marketing. The company has established partnerships with major food producers, enhancing its market presence across provinces such as Shanghai, Hubei, and Zhejiang.
Another exciting product featured at the expo is the Dingshi wide noodle, which is gaining popularity for its diverse flavors and quick preparation. The Dingshi Longfeng Starch Products Co., Ltd. introduced instant wide noodles that can be ready to eat in just minutes, available in flavors such as sour and spicy, sesame, and pickled vegetables. They have also launched organic potato flour products, reflecting the industry’s commitment to innovation and consumer preferences.
Building a Comprehensive Industry Chain
Dingshi’s approach to potato production embodies the concept of a full industry chain, encompassing everything from seed breeding to starch production and culinary processing. The city boasts 28 deep-processing enterprises, with an annual processing capacity of 960,000 tons and a processing output value exceeding 5 billion yuan. The Dingshi potato brand has gained significant recognition, with a public brand value of 39.6 billion yuan, solidifying its status as a leader in the Gansu agricultural sector.
Recent statistics indicate that the comprehensive output value of the potato industry chain in Dingshi has reached 24 billion yuan, reflecting the area’s dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and economic viability. The integration of agricultural and food processing sectors is not only diversifying income sources for local farmers but also establishing Dingshi as a hub for potato innovation and excellence.
The developments showcased at the 14th China International Potato Expo highlight the vitality and potential of the potato industry in Dingshi City. With strategic investments in processing technology, innovative product offerings, and strong partnerships across the industry, Dingshi is setting a benchmark for potato cultivation and processing in China. As the industry continues to evolve, it holds the promise of sustainable growth and increased profitability for farmers and stakeholders alike.
