During the trade delegation led by Princess Astrid in India, the first spade stroke was made for the construction of a new fries production line at Agristo in Uttar Pradesh, reports De Standaard. The plant, which began producing potato flakes in 2022, will now expand to include a 55,000-ton-per-year chips line, set to be operational by 2026. The fries will be sold in the Indian market as well as in neighboring countries.
"Today, we had the honor of welcoming Princess Astrid of Belgium, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Chief Secretary Manoj Singh, along with Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, and the Belgian Economic Mission delegation to our site in Bijnor. Together, they laid the 'foundation stone' for our new chips production line, marking an important step in our expansion," the company stated.
"As a true lover of fries, Matthias Diependaele was undoubtedly particularly delighted to witness the expansion of Belgium's fries heritage into India. There will certainly be much to enjoy! This investment will help boost local potato farming, double our workforce, and strengthen our global presence."
Matthias Diependaele also expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "With an €80 million investment in a new production facility in Bijnor, Agristo is expanding its market position and creating local jobs. Thanks to Flemish technology, including Vyncke's biomass boiler, AVR Machinery's harvesters, and collaboration with Ekopack, our agri-food sector will gain further recognition."
For more information:
Agristo
Waterstraat 40
8531 Harelbeke Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)56 73 50 50
info@agristo.com
www.agristo.com