India is one of the world’s top potato producers, with more than 60 million tonnes grown in 2023. Most of this crop is used inside the country, but a large share now moves to nearby foreign markets. One of the strongest buyers in recent years is Indonesia. The country’s food industry is growing fast and so is the need for good-quality potatoes for homes, hotels and factories.
Indonesia’s imports have increased to levels never seen before. India has stepped in as the main supplier because of its regular harvest, fitting season and simple shipping route. This article explains how the trade between India and Indonesia has grown, what has changed in the market, why India now leads the supply and what exporters can expect in 2025.
Indonesia’s Potato Imports Are Growing Faster Than Ever
Indonesia has changed the way it uses potatoes. People now eat more fries, snacks and ready foods. QSR chains are expanding and food factories need a constant flow of raw material. Because of this, the country has increased its import volumes each year.
A few years back, Indonesia’s import numbers were much lower. In 2019–20, it brought in 38,805 tonnes of fresh potatoes. Today, the numbers are far higher.
By 2025, the import curve rose sharply:
- June 2025: 102,119 tonnes
- August 2025: 108,156 tonnes (46.9% more than the previous year)
- September 2025: 108,120 tonnes (54.1% more than the previous year)
For the first time, Indonesia crossed the 100,000-tonne level and stayed above it across the year. This shift is the result of ongoing growth in snack plants, hotels, frozen food units and home consumption.
People in Indonesia now use potatoes in many forms. Fresh potatoes are still important, but processed products are growing at a much faster rate. This puts more weight on imports, as domestic crops cannot meet the need for processing-grade varieties.
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Processed Potato Imports Are Even Larger
While fresh potatoes are rising, processed potato items have grown even more. In 2023, Indonesia imported:
- Fresh potatoes: about 76,800 tonnes (worth around USD 36.1M)
- Processed potatoes: about 89,100 tonnes (worth around USD 139.9M)
The processed category has far higher value because factories use these items for fries, chips and convenience foods. These products are common in fast-food menus and modern retail stores, so the flow is constant all year.
India has been increasing its processed potato production. As a result, Indonesia’s shift toward processed foods is also helping Indian suppliers.
India Becomes Indonesia’s Main Potato Supplier
India now supplies between 37% and 50% of Indonesia’s fresh potato imports. It has become a trusted partner because of stable volumes and simple trade routes.
Export numbers from India to Indonesia:
| Year | Volume | Growth |
| 2021/22 | 25,060 tonnes | — |
| 2022/23 | 32,210 tonnes | +28% |
| 2023/24 | 41,125 tonnes | +27% |
| 2024 | 41,073 tonnes | — |
| Year ending Sep 2025 | 43,512 tonnes | +48.4% (Jan ’25 window) |
In three years, exports increased by 64%. For fresh food items, such long growth is rare. India’s total global exports touched 513,537 tonnes in 2024, with Indonesia becoming one of the most stable buyers.
Why India Leads the Indonesian Market
India’s success in Indonesia isn’t accidental. It is the result of several structural advantages that make India the perfect match for Indonesia’s import requirements.
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1. India Has a Large and Growing Production Base
India grows more than 60 million tonnes of potatoes a year. Because of this huge supply:
- Exporters do not worry about stock
- Farmers across many states grow potatoes, reducing regional risk
- Buyers get regular quantities
- Exporters handle several markets at the same time
Indonesian factories prefer suppliers who can send regular volumes and India fits this need without trouble.
2. Perfect Seasonal Window
India’s main harvest is from January to March. This time suits Indonesia:
- It matches high consumption periods
- It covers supply gaps from other regions
- It fills shortages in months when other countries cannot supply
This timing makes India one of the most reliable sources for Indonesia’s food companies.
3. India Offers Strong Price Advantage
India is the most cost-friendly source for Indonesia in the region. Average landed prices in the 12 months ending June 2025:
- India: ₹28,800 per tonne
- China: ₹37,200 per tonne
- Germany: ₹42,000 per tonne
This difference of 30–40% makes a big impact for Indonesian factories, which buy large volumes. Lower freight, shorter distance and solid relationships help keep India’s prices stable.
Gujarat and nearby states also grow varieties such as Lady Rosetta, which suits snack production. This has increased trust among Indonesian buyers.
4. Better Logistics and Support Systems
India’s export ecosystem has matured significantly:
- APEDA promotes and supports agricultural exports
- Cold chain logistics have improved
- Ports on India’s west coast are efficient and container-friendly
- Large farms and aggregators supply export-quality potatoes
- Better hygiene and handling systems reduce bruising
For Indonesian importers, this means:
- Consistent quality
- Predictable shipping schedules
- Lower risk of spoilage
- Smooth customs documentation
These improvements have made India one of the most dependable agricultural partners in the region.
Indonesia’s Growing Dependence on Imported Potatoes
Indonesia produces about 1.25 million tonnes of potatoes each year. But most local varieties do not suit frying or large-scale processing. They lack dry matter levels needed for stable frying results.
Because of this, imports are necessary for:
- Snack plants
- Frozen fry units
- Hotel and restaurant chains
- Retail outlets
- Industrial kitchens
As brands like KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King and local chains grow, the need for fries increases. Snack factories also keep expanding, raising demand for good processing-grade potatoes.
India supplies the varieties and quality that these units require.
Market Trends 2020–2025: What Has Changed
From 2020 to 2025, several shifts took place:
1. Demand Moved From Fresh to Processed
Processed goods now:
- Have higher value
- Grow faster each year
- Hold more market share
Indonesia is turning into a processed-potato market rather than a fresh-potato market alone.
2. India Is Growing in Processed Exports
India’s exports of processed items increased sharply:
- Dehydrated goods rose from USD 11.4M (2021–22) to about USD 63.3M (2024–25)
- Frozen potato exports increased from USD 29M (2019) to about USD 206M (2024)
This gives India an opening in Indonesia not only for raw potatoes but for processed foods as well.
3. Competition Exists, but India Has the Best Fit
Countries such as Canada, Germany, Egypt, China and the US send potatoes to Indonesia. But their prices are higher. India offers fair value and good quality, which helps it stay ahead.
Opportunities for Indian Exporters in 2025
There are several areas where exporters can find strong demand:
1. Supply to Processing Units
Snack makers, fry units and food-service chains buy large, regular volumes. They look for reliable suppliers, which makes India the right match.
2. Promote Processing Varieties
Key varieties that suit Indonesia:
- Lady Rosetta
- Hermes
- Chipsona
- Several Kufri varieties
Exporters can highlight frying results and texture to attract buyers.
3. Export Value-Added Items
India can send:
- Peeled potatoes
- Pre-cut fries
- Semi-ready frozen goods
- Flakes
- Granules
- Snack pellets
These products match Indonesia’s shift toward ready foods.
4. Build Long-Term Programs
Long contracts help both sides plan around:
- Price swings
- Seasonal shortages
- Freight changes
Indonesian buyers prefer stable partners who commit across months or years.
RELATED: Smart Packaging Trends Changing the Potato Chips and Snacks Market
2025–2027 Outlook: A Clear Growth Path
Indonesia’s potato import demand is expected to remain strong for the next several years due to:
- Growth of QSR and modern retail
- Expansion of snack and fries manufacturing plants
- Rising disposable income
- Changing eating habits
- Domestic production limitations
India is positioned to maintain and even grow its leadership because:
- It offers the best landed price
- It has large and stable production
- It supplies processing-suitable varieties
- Its logistics are improving year by year
With exports to Indonesia now surpassing 43,000 tonnes annually, India is on track to strengthen its role as a reliable agricultural partner in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The trade link between India and Indonesia has become one of the most active potato flows in Asia. Indonesia’s growing appetite for potatoes lines up well with India’s strong production, good harvest timing, stable freight routes and consistent supply.
Indian exporters have a long-term chance in Indonesia. The demand is growing, the market is stable and buyers are open to both fresh and processed goods. With smart planning, India can hold and even increase its share in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
-
Why does Indonesia import so many potatoes?
Because local crops cannot meet the needs of snack plants, fry units, hotels and rising home use.
-
Why is India preferred over other suppliers?
India offers a reliable supply, fair prices and varieties that fit processing needs.
-
Which Indian potato varieties suit Indonesia?
Lady Rosetta, Hermes, Chipsona and several Kufri varieties.
-
Will imports keep rising after 2025?
Yes. Food factories and QSR chains are growing fast, which increases demand.
-
Can India export processed potato goods to Indonesia?
Yes. Items like flakes, pellets and frozen cuts are gaining strong traction.
Image credit: Ulrike Leone on Unsplash
Research sources:
India Global Export Share & Production Insights (APEDA Dashboard PDF)
https://apeda.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-10/MIC_Monthly_dashboard_Potato_22092025.pdf
Indonesia Processed Potato Import Data (Canned/Frozen/Pellets Category Landing Page)
https://www.tridge.com/intelligences/canned-potatoes/ID/import
Average CIF Prices – Indonesia Potato Market
https://www.indexbox.io/search/potato-price-indonesia/
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