Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are one of the world’s most widely consumed staple crops, prized for their versatility, long storage life, and rich nutritional profile. They are cultivated in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions across the globe. The tubers are consumed fresh, processed into products such as chips, fries, and starch, and used as raw material in food, beverage, and industrial applications.
Potatoes for international trade must meet stringent quality, safety, and phytosanitary requirements to ensure they arrive in prime condition, free from pests and diseases.
Product Specifications for Export/Import
Size & Grading(varies by market and buyer requirements)
Small:28–45 mm diameter
Medium:45–60 mm diameter
Large:60–80 mm diameter
Extra Large:80+ mm diameter
Tolerance:±5% size variation per shipment allowed (as per buyer contract)
Quality Standards
Tubers firm, well-shaped, and mature
Clean, free from excessive soil (max 1% soil residue by weight)
Free from rot, green colouring, sprouts, internal defects, cracks, frost damage, or sunburn
Moisture content: 75–80% (fresh potatoes)
Dry matter content: 18–22% (varies by variety, important for processing potatoes)
Storage & Transport Conditions
Temperature: 4–8°C for long-term storage (processing potatoes may require slightly higher temps to prevent sugar buildup)
Relative Humidity: 85–95%
Controlled ventilation to avoid condensation and sprouting
Transit: Typically shipped in refrigerated containers (reefers) for long-distance exports
Shelf Life
Fresh table potatoes: 3–6 months under optimal cold storage
Processing potatoes: 4–5 months (depending on dry matter content and variety)
