24 MT Frozen French Fries Export Expands Global Market Opportunities for Value-Added Agricultural Products from Uttarakhand

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first export of 24 Metric Tonnes (MT) of Frozen French Fries from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand to Iraq. Exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., the consignment marks a significant milestone in promoting value-added agricultural exports from Uttarakhand while strengthening India's processed food export basket.

The exporter expressed confidence that the quality of the product would lead to repeat orders and long-term business relationships in international markets, creating sustained export opportunities for the company and the region. APEDA has supported the exporter in participating in leading international trade exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India, enabling greater market outreach and buyer engagement.

India continues to strengthen its position as a global supplier of processed agricultural products. During 2025-26, India's exports of processed vegetables reached USD 932.25 million, comprising 7,26,874.70 MT. Of this, value-added potato products accounted for exports of 277,108.51 MT valued at USD 289.40 million. Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10 per cent of APEDA's scheduled exports during the year.

Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev stated that logistics costs continue to influence the competitiveness of exports from landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. He said APEDA is working closely with the Government of Uttarakhand on the formulation and implementation of the State Agri Export Policy, including provisions for transport assistance to improve export competitiveness and facilitate greater market access for exporters.

The expanding processed food industry in Uttarakhand is creating stronger market opportunities across the agricultural value chain by generating sustained demand for quality raw produce, promoting value addition at source and encouraging greater participation in export-oriented supply chains. Such initiatives are expected to enhance farmers' incomes through improved market access while boosting the state's processed food exports.

APEDA continues to work closely with State Governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, facilitate access to global markets and promote value-added agricultural exports from India.

Agricultural export facilitation supports frozen potato product market access through trade promotion and state logistics assistance for exporters. Agricultural export facilitation supported the first export of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq, promoting value-added agricultural exports and processed food market access. APEDA assisted the exporter through international trade exhibitions for buyer engagement and market outreach. Logistics costs affecting landlocked-state exports are being addressed through work on a State Agri Export Policy, including transport assistance provisions to improve competitiveness, strengthen export infrastructure and support participation in export-oriented agricultural supply chains.