A potato processing plant worth EUR 125 million is being created in Ukraine, close Cherkasy. The production of chips of 60–150 1000 tonnes per year is expected to start in 2027. The investment supported by the state can displace Polish deliveries from the Ukrainian marketplace and then hit the position of our companies besides in the region.
Plant for €125 million
A large potato processing complex is being built in the Biosens industrial park in the Cherkaz region. According to Germany Trade & Invest, the value of the full task is EUR 125 million. The task is to be implemented in stages and covers much more than 1 production line.
The first phase will consume €19 million. In the hall of 6.5 1000 square meters, 25 1000 tons of potato flour is to be created annually. The launch of this part was planned for the turn of 2026 and 2027. The aim is to replace imports, cover home request and then start exports.
The second stage, valued at EUR 49 million, provides for the start of French fries production in 2027. Public task descriptions show a scale of 60 to 150 1000 tonnes per year. The German trade promotion agency describes it as the production capacity of chips, while administration of the Cherkah region refers to this value to the natural material being processed. This discrepancy does not change the fundamental picture: an industrial plant is being built on a massive scale.
State builds production facilities
This is not a lonely investment left solely to private capital. The Ukrainian Ministry of Economy allocated 24,731 million hryvnia to Biosens Park for the construction of the exit from the road, method passage and gas network. Participants in industrial parks may besides benefit from a work and VAT exemption for production facilities and a ten-year income taxation exemption on condition that profits are reinvested.
The complex is to receive a warehouse for 20,000 tons of potatoes, a protein recovery plant and peeled starch and a greenhouse combined with cogeneration. Thus Ukraine builds the full value chain: from supply of natural materials through deep processing to waste management. This is simply a rational direction from the point of view of any country that wants to keep its jobs and profit margin. Poland should draw conclusions from this, alternatively of insulting the neighbour's economical ambitions.
Polish exports can get in your pocket
The Ukrainian marketplace is crucial for Polish potato producers today. Data from the Ukrainian customs administration, cited by the manufacture improvement of the association of producers, show that from January to September 2025 Ukraine brought 122 399 tonnes of potatoes. 53,057 tonnes came from Poland, which is over 43 percent of the full volume during this period.
The fresh plant is designed precisely to reduce dependence on abroad supplies and take over the margin from processed products. First, exports of natural materials and finished products to Ukraine may be affected. If production exceeds the needs of the marketplace there, Ukrainian fries and semi-finished products can later compete with Polish companies in 3rd markets.
This does not mean an automatic disaster for the Polish industry. The consequence will be determined by energy costs, availability of appropriate potato varieties, logistics, quality and contracts with catering networks. However, the scale of the task and public support are a adequate informing not to treat Ukraine solely as a outlets market.
Polish economical policy needed
Kiev conducts industrial policy in its own interest. Warsaw should do precisely the same. Assistance to Ukraine fighting Russian aggression must not mean giving up hard protection of Polish economical interests. In trade relations, reciprocity, transparent rules and constant control of the movement of goods are needed. This is what they should serve. efficient border checks with Ukraine, not creating further barriers for honest Polish exporters.
The government should check which agri-food export segments are most susceptible to Ukrainian import substitution and then support investments in processing, retention and cheaper energy. Without specified a reply, the producers will be themselves against a competitor utilizing State-funded infrastructure. Defence of Polish food and farms requires tools, not occasional declarations.
The stake is specific: orders, incomes of farmers, workplaces in plants and position of Polish companies in Central and east Europe. Ukraine has the full right to make its own industry. Poland has a work to defend its own in advance.
Source: Germany Trade & Invest, Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, Cherkah Circuit State Administration, Kresy.pl.
