In 2023, LLC “We Fry,” a prominent potato processing plant based in Lipetsk, Russia, achieved remarkable financial milestones, marking a significant shift in the landscape of potato processing and agricultural economics. According to data from Rusprofile, the company reported a substantial increase in both revenue and net profit compared to the previous year.
With a net profit of 9.7 billion rubles, representing an 88% surge from the previous year’s 5.2 billion rubles, and a revenue growth from 15 to 21 billion rubles, marking a 39% increase, LLC “We Fry” has set a new standard for success in the industry. However, this growth hasn’t come without its challenges.
Despite the impressive financial gains, LLC “We Fry” also experienced a rise in production costs, with the cost of sales increasing from 6.9 to 8.8 billion rubles, indicating a 28.4% surge. Nonetheless, the company managed to offset these costs with a substantial increase in profit from sales, climbing from 7 to 10.2 billion rubles, a 45.3% increase.
Furthermore, the company saw an uptick in both accounts receivable and accounts payable, with a 21% increase in accounts receivable, rising from 2.5 to 3 billion rubles, and a 12% increase in accounts payable, climbing from 5.9 to 6.6 billion rubles.
The success of LLC “We Fry” can be attributed to various factors, including strategic investments and a focus on production expansion. Originally launched in 2018 by the Dutch company Lamb Weston/Meijer, the plant underwent significant investment, with initial investments totaling nearly 9 billion rubles. Subsequent plans for expansion, totaling over 13 billion rubles, were announced in 2021, signaling a commitment to growth and innovation in the sector.
However, the landscape changed in 2022 with the departure of the Dutch company from Russia, resulting in the transition of ownership to Russian stakeholders. Under the new ownership structure, the plant underwent a rebranding initiative, adopting the name “We Fry.” Additionally, plans were confirmed to double the plant’s capacity with a 13 billion ruble investment, showcasing a continued commitment to growth and development.
In conclusion, the remarkable growth of LLC “We Fry” underscores the immense potential within the potato processing industry in Russia and beyond. As the company continues to innovate and expand its operations, it serves as a beacon of success and inspiration for farmers, agronomists, agricultural engineers, farm owners, and scientists working in the agricultural sector.
