Aviko Building Plant in Gansu
To Better Serve China Market

With potato consumption mushrooming in the PRC, Dutch processor Aviko has inked an agreement with both the Zhangye City and Minle City authorities to construct a potato processing plant in the Chinese province of Gansu. Construction is already under way, and should be completed by early 2008.

Aviko said it expected the Asian market for its potato products, particularly in China, to grow rapidly in coming years, creating opportunities for processors operating in the country. To better tap this demand, the 15 million euro plant will give the Steenderen, Holland-headquartered company an extra output capacity of 80,000 tons of dried potato products a year, with provision for more during a planned second phase of expansion.

Aviko, a unit of the Royal Cosun Group, will be responsible for the funding, construction and management of the 60-hectare site. Cooperation with local partners will be vital for success.