Beyond fries: There’s more to the humble potato than meets the eye

The potato industry is undergoing rapid change, driven by a global shift from the consumption of fresh potatoes to processed, value-added products. This transformation is influenced by a shift in consumer preference towards convenience foods and prepared ready meals. The demand for potato specialty products is at an all-time high and is expected to continue growing at a considerable rate.

Increasing profitability and sustainability through diversification

In a market where demand is reaching unprecedented levels, potato processors need to embrace the latest food production solutions in order to capitalize on emerging opportunities. At Marel, we offer innovative equipment, as well as processing expertise, that can help potato processors in strategically diversifying their product portfolios to take advantage of market opportunities, enhancing both profitability and sustainability.

Optimizing the value of raw materials by minimizing waste

The key to achieving this lies in optimizing the value of raw materials by utilizing offcuts to create additional product streams. This approach involves repurposing waste raw material from primary products and transforming them into secondary offerings. Through close collaboration with customers, we are helping them to turn surplus materials into a huge variety of exciting, high-quality potato specialty products - from timeless favorites like Pommes Duchesses and croquettes to distinctive choices such as potato donuts, waffles, and various regional specialties.

Where innovation, technology and passion for food meet

Marel is also collaborating on a significant project initiated by Flanders’ FOOD, the innovation platform for the Flemish agri-food industry and ILVO. Together, they have created the Food Pilot plant, a strategic hub that helps companies throughout Western Europe address diverse agri-food challenges, including product development, process optimization, and resolution of technical production issues.

Flanders’ FOOD ensures that installations for all possible processes in the food industry are made available in the pilot plant so that companies can innovate more easily and take steps toward new processes. In January 2024, they opened the doors on a new frying line for the sustainable production of fried potatoes, plant-based products, vegetables, meat and fish. Ghent University also backs the initiative, and as a key contributor, Marel supplies cutting-edge frying equipment. Through a collaborative and solution-driven approach, participants gain access to expert advice, comprehensive lab analyses, and pilot trials executed on semi-industrial processing equipment. This underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancements within the food processing industry.

Comprehensive support for all your potato processing needs

From forming the ideal potato specialty product, through coating and cooking to perfection, all the way to packing - we can support you at every step in the process. Our market-leading equipment and expertise will ensure you can create the perfect specialty potato products that will really give you an edge over the competition.

• Perfectly formed products– access the latest, most innovative forming technology with our revolutionary low-pressure formers - RevoPortioner and TEX10. Not only will they give you the highest yields, but you can also be sure of a consistent and accurate weight, shape, size and quality.
• Unbeatable coating - our coating equipment leads the way in product coverage and consistency and will allow you to coat virtually any type of potato specialty product while ensuring gentle product handling and optimal raw material utilization.
• Optimal frying experience – experience advanced, integrated frying systems with expert oil management, filtration and storage. Ensure uniformly fried products with the perfect color, texture and taste and exceptional coating adhesion.
• Industry-leading ovens - with over 30 years of experience in heating technology, we can provide all the support you need to get the best possible results from your oven, maximizing yield and uniformity.
• Highly efficient grading and batching – Whether you’re grading and batching fresh, frozen or marinated pieces, our solutions automate difficult manual operations and take away human bias from the process, minimizing your give-away and minimizing your yield.

Experience the advantages firsthand

We invite you to experience the advantages our equipment can bring to your processing by booking a demonstration in one of Marel's global demo centers below.