How a Premium Dutch Variety Transformed India’s Potato Processing Industry
The Santana potato, known worldwide for its exceptional ability to produce high-quality fries, has made an indelible mark on the global potato industry. With its oblong shape, yellow flesh, and the distinctive golden hue it imparts to French fries, Santana is a premium variety favored by processors. Its journey, from its origins in the Netherlands to becoming a key player in India’s growing potato processing industry, is a testament to its versatility and the enduring legacy of Dutch potato breeding.
The story of Santana begins in the mid-19th century with the Van Rijn family, who established Van Rijn in 1855, focusing on cultivating and commercializing potatoes in the fertile ABC Westland region of the Netherlands. The variety’s breeding was attributed to Hettema, with the seeds later acquired by Van Rijn. Over the decades, Santana’s processing attributes, particularly its fry-making potential, became widely recognized, making it a sought-after variety globally.
In 2010, Van Rijn sold its potato operations to KWS Group, marking a significant transition in Santana’s history. This transition was further cemented when STET Holland B.V. acquired all Santana-related activities from KWS Potato in 2016. Today, STET holds the ownership rights of Santana, overseeing its licensing and ensuring that processors across the world can capitalize on its premium characteristics. The variety is protected in India until 2035 under STET’s stewardship.
Santana’s entry into the Indian market was spearheaded by McCain Foods in 1997. McCain, a global leader in potato processing, invested Rs.1 billion ($25 million) to establish a foothold in India’s burgeoning fry market. This strategic move marked the beginning of Santana’s influence in India, a country with vast potential for growth in the processed potato sector.
Over the years, India has become a crucial hub for French fry production, with Santana leading the way. In 2007, India was importing 6,000 metric tonnes of French fries, but by 2019, the country was exporting approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of frozen potatoes, with fries accounting for 95% of the total exports. Much of this growth is attributed to the robust demand for Santana potatoes, with Banaskantha district in Gujarat emerging as the primary sourcing region for this premium variety.
Today, Santana continues to play a pivotal role in India’s food processing industry. As one of the most preferred varieties for French fries, it has not only elevated the country’s export capabilities but has also helped processors meet the increasing demand for high-quality fries, both domestically and internationally.
