Oct 13, 2017Potatoes USA reports success on first shipment to Myanmar
The first shipment of U.S. chipping potatoes arrived in Myanmar in September and it could lead to future trade according to Potatoes USA, which worked with the USDA to make the shipment possible. Potatoes USA said local processors conducted product trials and each reported that U.S. potatoes produced chips that were far superior to those made from the local potatoes.
In addition, the group said waste was reduced, the shape and color were better, the chips absorbed less oil, and importantly, the taste of the chips was “delicious.”
“As a result of the product trials, several processors expressed interest in pursuing purchases of U.S. chip-stock potatoes,” Potatoes USA wrote in a press release.
U.S. fresh and seed potatoes were the first American produce products approved for importation into Myanmar under new rules for fresh horticulture products which required a formal plant health risk assessment. Potatoes USA worked with USDA to submit the required documents and also met with the Myanmar plant health officials earlier in 2017 to make the September shipment possible.
The shipment was arranged by Potatoes USA and utilized quality samples program funding from USDA. The container of approximately 25 tons was distributed among four local processing companies, most of which were small businesses.
