Continuing our “Key Business Outlooks 2025” series, we talk with Stefan Toepfl about navigating the complexities of a transforming potato processing landscape. From supply chain disruptions to technological breakthroughs, he offers valuable insights into the industry’s future. This interview sheds light on strategies for growth in 2025.

Potato Business: Considering the market volatility, supply chain disruptions, energy costs, and workforce scarcity, what does this past year look like for your company when you draw the line?

Stefan Toepfl, Managing Director, Elea Technology GmbH: 2024 has been a year full of surprises and inspiration. We have been very successful with our new, higher capacity systems B1000-850 and -550 for the French fries market. Upgraded design and safety features and best in class throughput have been key features to achieve new installations in Europe and North America. Small and medium scale systems have been installed in the Middle East, Northen Africa as well as Asia. Whilst the aftermaths of recent market turbulences and rising costs to impact on business decisions in the potato and vegetable snacks industry we have run very successful PEF implementation projects confirming process and quality benefits. The costs savings achieved actually helped in a challenging environment.

What are your expectations for next year, keeping in mind the legacy of 2024, but also the current challenges?

We have a number of very interesting projects in the pipeline. For PEF use in French fries processing, we are observing a trend towards even larger scale lines in typical potato growing regions as well as new projects in others. To meet these requirements, we have further upgraded our systems range and treatment capacities. For smaller scale processing in emerging markets as well as new applications in freeze and vacuum drying we have launched the new B micro model. It allows processing of up to 1.7 t/h of raw material with a compact all-in-one design.

How do you estimate the market will evolve and what is your priority list for 2025?

Optimum raw material and process use is our key priority. Our team supports not only with providing PEF systems but a full technological solution including optimization of all subsequent processing steps. Our current development projects focus on real-time process control of cutting properties, washing and blanching control as well as optimization of frying parameters based on inline sensors.

Where did the growth opportunities come from and what is the most important lesson you have learned in recent times?

Main growth opportunities have come from providing more than stainless steel and electric energy. Our full-service approach includes supporting clients on all levels of potato processing. Our team helps to maximize PEF benefits during cutting and slicing, washing and blanching, drying and frying. Balancing seasonal and varietal changes and their impact on processing conditions has a high impact on product yield and quality and hence on financial benefits achieved. In addition to regular equipment service and maintenance we have started offering support and training contract options to sustainably maintain long term user benefits.

What strategies are you implementing to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly saturated market? How do you prioritize your investments versus your R&D efforts?

Rising costs and scarcity of trained personnel are current key issues in potato and vegetable processing. We have reacted by increasing treatment capacities as well as strengthening inline process control options. On the engineering side our development efforts have been directed towards high capacity, robust and user-friendly designs and enhanced treatment capacity. Besides systems for indoor use, we have developed heavy duty outdoor processing systems. On the application side R&D efforts and new IP have been directed to optimized washing and blanching, reduced temperature frying and in-line process control.

What was unexpected in 2024 and how did it impact your business?

In 2024 many projects have seen delays due to supply chain issues outside of our control. Energy costs and inflation also have caused some investment decisions to be delayed. On the other hand, 2024 has brought a number of smaller scale projects in emerging markets, which had a very positive effect.

Which are the most important drivers of change for your business in 2025? How do you plan to prepare for them?

I would expect rising energy and raw material costs to impact on the market, but also substantial growth and business opportunities in emerging markets. We have prepared by developing new IP and process control options as well as establishing a new headquarter and test center in Quakenbrueck, Germany. We will offer equipment testing and product development offers as well as full analytical serviced for French fries, potato and vegetable snacks, dried fruit and vegetable snacks as well as many other PEF applications.

What would you like to see happening in 2025 for your stakeholders and business environment (in terms of policy, regulations, and market) in order for your business to thrive more?

I believe the market would benefit from a more stable political and business environment. Wishful thinking, we stay prepared being agile.

What is your vision for the industry over the next five years, and how does your company plan to contribute to its growth?

I would expect the French fries and the potato snacks market to continue growing. We will contribute by best-in-class PEF systems to fully use its yield and quality benefits and reducing overall processing costs.