Bolivia: Contracts with fast-food chains boost operations of the new potato industry in Tiquipaya

This was reported by the departmental manager of the National Fund for Social and Productive Investment (FPS) in Cochabamba, Charly Mamani.

"The contracts we already have (in Cochabamba) and currently distributing frozen pre-fried potato sticks to ’Pollos Kingdom’ and ’Panchita’, which generate resources, both in raw materials (potatoes) and labor, in addition to delivery supplies and others, are generating approximately Bs 500,000 per month (...). These types of projects have an impact on local production and jobs, even more so now that they are already operational and contracts are being drawn up," he explained.

The potato industrialization project in Tiquipaya required an investment of Bs 17,689,667 from the Competitive Fund for Public Productive Investment (FOCIPP). It will benefit more than 10,750 residents and 1,791 farming families in the Lower Valley.

The factory produces 3 tons (t) of pre-fried frozen potatoes per day and plans to reach 6 tons of daily production. The target market for the plant’s four production lines will be Cochabamba, 90% of which will be located in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, 10%.

"The industrial plant is already operating and undergoing the corresponding testing in accordance with the contract (...), with a focus on economic and industrial diversification, targeting the student market and supermarket offerings," Mamani said.

The factory’s production lines are: potato starch, potato flakes (snack type), frozen pre-fried potatoes and mashed potatoes.

For the complete delivery of the project, the FPS has already submitted the relevant regulations for the consolidation of a joint venture (public-private) to the Tiquipaya Municipal Council for review and approval. With this document, along with the acquisition of a refrigerated truck, which is being tendered this week, all productive work is completed.

A guided tour of the plant is planned for the first half of May, accompanied by journalists from Cochabamba media outlets.

Mamani also explained that intensive work is underway on the construction of 17 industrial plants in the department, with an investment of more than Bs 170 million, and that 10 have been completed to date.