French fries have not only made a place in the hearts of youth and families in India, but have also made India a 'fry superpower' in the global market. Know how desi taste, innovation and Indian agriculture made this western snack the star of the country.

French fries in India: How it became a superpower with desi taste
French fries in India: How it became a superpower with desi taste

The journey of French fries in India over the past decade has been amazing—this humble snack has now become a part of every city, village and household in the country. As the fast food culture took hold in India, French fries became the face of modern snacks. Especially during the pandemic, when it was difficult to step out of the house, the demand for frozen fries saw an unprecedented 37% increase.

The frozen French fry industry has given a new direction to Indian farmers and the industry. India, which was already the second largest potato producer in the world, has now emerged as a superpower in the export of French fries as well. Gujarat is the epicenter of this new fry revolution, with big players like HyFun Foods and McCain shipping millions of tonnes of fries per year from their mega plants to countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

There are several reasons behind this growth

  1. Affordable prices : Indian fries have often proved to be cheaper than countries like China.
  2. Invention : Desi flavours like masala fries, peri-peri or chaat fries have made Indian flavours a global trend.
  3. Food service boom : Foreign chains like McDonald's, KFC as well as homegrown brands like Faasos, Venky's have expanded its reach across small and big cities in the country.
  4. Importance in home kitchens : French fries are no longer just a party snack, they have become a favourite evening snack for all ages; air fryers, less oil, and healthy options have also attracted the middle class.

Special feature in French fry production

Its success lies in the smart processing of ordinary potatoes. Fries cut from old, starchy potatoes are fried twice, giving them the crispiness that is available in the market. Now it has reached every household in spicy, garlic-ginger or dry mango flavours.

"India has established itself in the global fry market on the back of potato production, low costs and quality focus..."

— CEO, HyFun Foods

With growing sales every year, growing exports worldwide, and a worldwide demand for desi taste—India has become a true French fry superpower.