Potato Tour of Russia 2025: From Storage to Processing at the WEFRY Plant

As part of our journey through Russia’s potato-producing regions, we visited the Lipetsk region to explore advanced methods of potato storage and processing. Our trip began at one of the facilities of the “Aurora“ company and concluded at the high-tech WEFRY plant, located in the Lipetsk Special Economic Zone. “Aurora“ Company: Innovations in Potato Storage The Joint-Stock Company “Agro-Industrial Association ’Aurora’“ is one of the leading agricultural enterprises in the Lipetsk region. Founded in 1998, it specializes in the cultivation and processing of agricultural products. The company’s headquarters are located in Lipetsk at 11 Telmana Street. In the Zadonsk district, “Aurora“ manages approximately 700 hectares dedicated to potato cultivation. To ensure high-quality produce, the company has implemented modern storage technologies. After harvesting, potatoes are carefully sorted and placed in specialized storage facilities with controlled temperature and humidity conditions. This approach preserves the freshness and nutritional value of the tubers until they are processed or sold. WEFRY Plant: A Leader in French Fry Production The next stage of our tour was a visit to the WEFRY plant, a leading Russian producer of frozen French fries. The facility is situated in the Lipetsk Special Economic Zone and collaborates with farming enterprises from 25 regions across Russia. The plant commenced operations in January 2018 and has since significantly increased its production capacity. Initially, the facility processed about 200,000 tons of potatoes annually, producing 3.5 million servings of French fries daily. However, due to growing demand in Russia and CIS countries, a decision was made in 2024 to expand production. With the launch of a second production line, processing capacity reached 400,000 tons of potatoes per year, enabling the production of over 200,000 tons of finished products annually. WEFRY’s products are supplied to major fast-food chains and leading retail networks in Russia and the CIS. The high quality and adherence to international standards make WEFRY’s French fries popular among restaurateurs and consumers alike. The Journey of a Potato: From Field to Table Our expedition showcased the complete journey of a potato: from cultivation and storage at “Aurora’s“ fields to processing and packaging at the WEFRY plant. The seamless collaboration between the agricultural producer and the processing facility ensures that consumers receive a high-quality and delicious product that appears on the tables of millions daily. Visiting these enterprises allowed us to witness how modern technologies and strict quality control at each production stage contribute to the development of Russia’s agro-industrial complex and meet market demands for premium products.