Uttarakhand ships 24 MT of frozen french fries to Iraq

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export of 24 metric tonnes (MT) of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq, marking a milestone in the state's processed food exports and expanding market opportunities for value-added agricultural products.

The consignment, exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd. from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district, highlights growing international demand for India's processed potato products and strengthens the country's processed food export basket.

According to APEDA, the shipment is expected to pave the way for repeat export orders and long-term business opportunities in international markets. The authority has supported the exporter by facilitating participation in global food trade exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India, helping connect Indian exporters with overseas buyers.

India continues to strengthen its position in the global processed food market. During the 2025–26 financial year, the country exported 726,874.70 MT of processed vegetables worth USD 932.25 million. Of this, value-added potato products accounted for 277,108.51 MT, valued at USD 289.40 million. Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10% of APEDA's scheduled exports during the year.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said logistics costs remain a key factor affecting export competitiveness for landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. He said APEDA is working with the Uttarakhand government on the state's Agri Export Policy, including transport assistance measures aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving market access for exporters.

The authority said the growth of Uttarakhand's processed food industry is creating stronger opportunities across the agricultural value chain by increasing demand for quality raw produce, encouraging value addition and integrating more farmers and processors into export-oriented supply chains.

APEDA said it will continue collaborating with state governments, exporters, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, improve access to global markets and promote value-added agricultural exports from India.