Frozen potato products manufacturer HyFun Foods is gearing up for a major global expansion, banking on the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to propel exports and open new market opportunities.
The company, which currently exports to 40 countries, plans to expand its footprint to 100 countries within the next five years. “We are seeing good traction after the signing of the FTA between the two countries. Several major UK buyers are now keen to source products from India,” said Kamlesh Karamchandani, Executive Director, HyFun Foods.
HyFun is setting up a new processing facility that will more than double its annual capacity to 300,000 tons by mid-next year. The expansion will enable the company to serve both existing clients and new markets, including the UK, one of the world’s largest consumers of frozen potato products.
“With the FTA eliminating duty disadvantages, the UK market is expected to become one of our key growth engines,” Karamchandani added.
The company is also developing UK-specific products, including seasoned fries, appetizers, and ethnic snacks tailored for the Asian diaspora. “We see significant potential for desi-inspired frozen foods that appeal to second-generation Indians in the UK,” he said.
While the company is optimistic about trade prospects in the UK, Karamchandani acknowledged the challenges of shifting global tariff regimes and geopolitical pressures. “The US recently imposed a 25% tariff on India, but our government is proactively negotiating multiple FTAs that will give Indian exporters long-term advantages,” he noted.
HyFun, which already supplies directly to Walmart in the US and 7-Eleven and FamilyMart in Japan, believes its operational experience across diverse geographies positions it well to handle regulatory and logistical complexities.
Globally, frozen food demand continues to rise by 8–10% annually, while in India, frozen snacking consumption is growing at over 20%, driven by urbanization and changing eating habits.
“French fries are now a staple in many parts of the world — they’re not a luxury product. Even with economic uncertainties, demand remains steady,” Karamchandani said.
With its capacity expansion, UK-specific innovations, and the India-UK FTA removing trade barriers, HyFun Foods is positioning itself to become a major global player in the frozen potato segment — and possibly find a new growth leader in the UK market.