Potato Processing and Storage in Algeria
This report contains the main findings of a study of the potato processing and post-harvest sector in Algeria. Potato processing in Algeria is still a very small economic sector; less than 1% of the total potato production volume is processed into French fries or potato chips.
Potato is Algeria’s first vegetable crop both in terms of area and production and is an import staple crop. Both consumption and production have expanded considerably over the last three decades and the sector is still growing fast. Mechanisation is almost absent in the Mediterranean regions. Adequate soil management may accelerate the introduction of potato production machinery.
For further growth of the sector, export of potatoes and potato processing is important. Spunta is by far the most popular variety in Algeria, but for processing other varieties with higher dry matter contents are needed. Another important precondition for the development of the potato processing sector is the organization of production and continuous supply of potatoes according to the standards of the processor. To bridge the gap of insufficient supply of potatoes for processing, they need to be stored for longer periods. Adequate climate control, higher storage temperature and sprouting control are important challenges during the post-harvest period to preserve the desired potato quality for processing.
The report concludes with business opportunities and recommendations for cooperation between Algeria and the Netherlands contributing to the development of the potato sector in general and the potato processing industry in particular.