Many restaurants, takeaways, and catering businesses prefer to buy fresh-cut potato chips rather than peeling and cutting potatoes themselves. This presents a profitable opportunity to start a raw potato chip supply business, where you prepare and deliver pre-cut, fresh (not frozen) potato chips to businesses in bulk.
Getting Started
To establish a successful raw potato chip supply business, you’ll need:
Equipment
-
Automatic Potato Peeler – Speeds up peeling, with capacities from 5kg to 30kg. A 10kg model is ideal for processing a full pocket of potatoes at a time.
-
Industrial Potato Cutter – A manual or automatic machine to cut potatoes into uniform chips. A manual cutter is sufficient for startups, but an automated version increases efficiency.
-
Blanching System (Optional) – Some suppliers offer blanched chips, which extend shelf life and reduce frying time for clients.
-
Water Tanks & Storage Bins – Keeps cut potatoes submerged in water to prevent oxidation.
-
Sealing & Packaging System – Ensures freshness and easy handling.
Supplies
-
Fresh Potatoes – Direct farm supply is ideal for cost efficiency.
-
Food-Grade Packaging Bags – Typically 10kg per bag, stored in water to maintain quality.
-
Food-Grade Preservatives (Optional) – Such as citric acid to prevent browning.
Business Model & Operations
Your primary service is providing fresh-cut, ready-to-fry potato chips to businesses in bulk. The process includes:
-
Sourcing Potatoes – Buy in bulk for cost efficiency.
-
Peeling & Cutting – Use industrial peelers and cutters for speed and uniformity.
-
Water Preservation – Store cut potatoes in water to maintain freshness.
-
Packaging & Labeling – Pack in 10kg bags for delivery.
-
Delivery & Distribution – Ensure reliable logistics to supply businesses efficiently.
Getting Clients
Since many businesses already have suppliers or cut their own potatoes, competitive pricing and convenience are key selling points. Target:
-
Fast Food Shops & Takeaways – Particularly those selling French fries or slap chips.
-
Catering Companies – Bulk buyers looking for ready-to-use ingredients.
-
Restaurants & Hotels – Establish contracts for consistent supply.
-
Supermarkets & Wholesalers – If expanding into retail-ready packaging.
Process Breakdown (SIPOC)
-
Supplier: Potato farms or wholesalers.
-
Input: Potatoes, water, packaging.
-
Process: Sorting → Peeling → Cutting → Soaking → Packing → Delivering.
-
Output: Ready-to-fry fresh-cut potato chips.
-
Customer: Takeaways, restaurants, food service businesses.