Fried Potato Chips Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, By Type (Plain, Salted, Flavored), By Distribution Channel (Supermarket & Hypermarket, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Fried Potato Chips market was valued at USD 34.32 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 40.41 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.34% during the forecast period. The Fried Potato Chips market is primarily driven by the growing demand for convenient and on-the-go snack options among consumers. With fast-paced lifestyles, people are increasingly opting for ready-to-eat snacks, such as potato chips, as a quick and easy solution. Also, innovations in flavors, packaging, and product variety are expanding the market. Manufacturers are introducing unique and diverse flavors to cater to changing consumer preferences, including healthier options like low-fat, organic, and gluten-free chips. The rise of e-commerce platforms has further facilitated product availability, allowing for easier access to these snacks. Also, marketing strategies targeting younger demographics and increased consumption in emerging economies also contribute to the market’s expansion. Consumer interest in premium and artisanal chips is also growing.

Key Market Drivers

Surging Disposable Income Across the Globe

One of the key drivers of the global fried potato chips market is the surging disposable income across the globe, particularly in emerging economies. As a part of this, according to a recent study, as of 2024, the disposable personal income in the United States increased by 0.3 percent. As disposable income increases, consumers have more spending power, allowing them to purchase a wider range of products, including snack foods like fried potato chips. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a higher demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snack options, especially among the working population, students, and busy families. In countries with rapidly growing middle classes, such as India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia, the demand for packaged snacks like fried potato chips has seen significant growth. The increasing availability of disposable income has also led to greater adoption of premium and luxury snack brands, contributing to market expansion. With more people able to afford a diverse selection of snacks, manufacturers can introduce new flavors, healthier alternatives, and convenient packaging options, further fueling the growth of the market. Also, the increasing trend toward globalization and the spread of Western fast-food culture has made fried potato chips more popular, even in regions where they were traditionally not a common snack.

Rising Working Population Coupled With their Hectic Schedules

The rising working population, combined with increasingly hectic schedules, is a significant driver of the global fried potato chips market. As a part of this, according to the Government of India, as of 2024, India has experienced considerable growth in employment over the years. With a nearly 36% rise in employment, adding approximately 170 million jobs between 2016-17 and 2022-23. As urbanization grows and more individuals enter the workforce, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks like fried potato chips continues to rise. With busy lifestyles, long working hours, and the need for quick meal solutions, many consumers turn to snacks that require little preparation, offering immediate satisfaction. Working professionals, students, and families often seek easy-to-carry, portable snacks that fit into their fast-paced routines. Fried potato chips, which offer convenience and instant gratification, have become a popular choice for people seeking quick breaks or satisfying hunger on the go. The availability of these snacks in various formats single-serve packs, multi-serving bags, and even small, resealable containers makes them a convenient option for busy individuals.

Expansion Policies Adopted by Key Players

Expansion policies adopted by key players in the global fried potato chips market are a crucial driver of its growth. As competition intensifies, leading brands are increasingly focusing on strategies to broaden their market reach, diversify their product offerings, and cater to a larger, more varied consumer base. These expansion efforts often include geographic diversification, entering new markets, and increasing their presence in both developed and emerging economies. In many cases, companies are focusing on expanding into untapped or underdeveloped markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, where rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences are boosting demand for processed snacks like fried potato chips. By introducing new flavors, healthier variants, and value-added products, companies are also seeking to cater to local tastes and dietary preferences, which can help them gain a competitive edge in these new regions.

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Key Market Challenges

Immense Competition Among Key Players

One of the significant challenges facing the global fried potato chips market is the immense competition among key players. The market is highly fragmented, with numerous well-established global brands such as and regional players vying for market share. This intense competition creates pricing pressure, reduces profit margins, and forces companies to continuously innovate to stay relevant. As the demand for fried potato chips increases, brands must differentiate themselves through unique product offerings, flavors, and packaging. However, maintaining a competitive edge becomes challenging as consumer preferences evolve rapidly, and competitors often replicate successful trends. For example, healthier variants like low-fat, organic, or gluten-free chips are gaining popularity, leading brands to rush to develop similar products to capture these changing preferences. Also, the prevalence of private-label brands in grocery stores has intensified the competition. These private-label products are often priced lower than established brand-name chips, making them attractive to price-sensitive consumers. This has further compounded the difficulty for premium brands to maintain their market share without compromising on quality or increasing marketing expenditure.

Strict Government Norms

Strict government norms and regulations present a significant challenge to the global fried potato chips market. As a part of this, according to a recent study, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the sale of certain foods to schoolchildren, and this is likely to negatively impact FMCG companies and advertisers who rely on children as a major market. As concerns around health, nutrition, and sustainability grow, many countries have introduced stringent guidelines aimed at improving food quality, safety, and consumer health. These regulations often focus on aspects such as labeling, ingredient transparency, and the reduction of harmful substances like trans fats, preservatives, and sodium in processed foods. For example, several governments have implemented guidelines that limit the amount of salt and fat in snack foods to curb rising obesity rates and prevent lifestyle diseases. In the European Union and parts of North America, there are strict requirements for nutrient labeling, which necessitates brands to provide detailed information on fat, sodium, and calorie content. Such regulations can increase production costs and require significant reformulations of existing products. In some regions, the introduction of “healthier snack” certifications or taxes on sugary and salty foods further pressures manufacturers to adapt to evolving legal standards. In countries like Mexico, the implementation of warning labels on products high in calories, sugar, and fat has forced many companies to rethink their product formulations and marketing strategies.

Key Market Trends

Increased Focus on Sustainable Packaging

One of the notable trends in the global fried potato chips market is the increased focus on sustainable packaging. As environmental concerns continue to rise, consumers and regulatory bodies are placing more pressure on food manufacturers to reduce their environmental footprint, particularly in terms of packaging waste. This shift has led many leading brands to prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable packaging solutions for their products. The potato chips industry, traditionally reliant on plastic packaging, is increasingly moving toward recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable packaging alternatives. Some companies are exploring the use of materials such as plant-based plastics, paper, and other eco-friendly substrates to reduce the environmental impact. Also, brands are adopting minimalistic packaging designs to reduce material usage and cut down on excess waste. This trend is driven not only by consumer demand for environmentally conscious products but also by stricter government regulations and policies aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. In regions like Europe, where there is a significant push for reducing single-use plastics, companies are investing in packaging innovations that comply with these regulations.

Surging Demand for Plant-Based & Vegan Chips

A significant trend in the global fried potato chips market is the surging demand for plant-based and vegan chips. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier, more sustainable lifestyles, plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular. This trend is fuelled by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture, health benefits of plant-based foods, and ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by introducing vegan-friendly fried potato chips made without any animal-derived ingredients, such as dairy or artificial additives. These chips cater to a diverse consumer base, including vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking healthier snack alternatives. The rise in plant-based eating habits, influenced by popular diets such as flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan, is further boosting this trend. Also, consumers are looking for snacks that are not only plant-based but also minimally processed and free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. This has led to the rise of organic, non-GMO, and clean-label fried potato chips, appealing to health-conscious buyers.

E-Commerce Growth

The growth of e-commerce is a prominent trend in the global fried potato chips market, as more consumers turn to online shopping for convenience and variety. As a part of this, according to IBEF, from 2024 to 2028, the Indian e-commerce market is expected to expand from USD 123 billion to USD 292.3 billion, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7%. The shift towards digital platforms is transforming the way people purchase snacks, including fried potato chips, allowing brands to reach a wider audience beyond traditional retail channels. E-commerce offers consumers the convenience of browsing a wide selection of products, discovering new brands, and accessing exclusive deals and promotions from the comfort of their homes. Online grocery shopping has become particularly popular, especially with the rise of subscription-based snack services and delivery options, making it easier for consumers to access their favorite fried potato chips at any time. This trend is further amplified by the increased use of mobile apps and e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, Walmart, and niche food delivery services, which have streamlined the buying process. Also, e-commerce platforms allow brands to gather valuable consumer data, enabling them to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies based on consumer preferences, regional trends, and purchase behavior.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Flavored dominated the global Fried Potato Chips market driven by consumer demand for variety and new taste experiences. The wide range of flavors, from classic choices like sour cream and onion to more innovative options such as spicy, barbecue, and regional specialties, appeals to diverse consumer preferences. This trend has pushed manufacturers to continuously innovate and introduce new, exciting flavor profiles to stay competitive. The demand for flavored chips is further fueled by the desire for more personalized snack options, catering to a growing appetite for unique and gourmet tastes.

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Regional Insights

North America dominated the global Fried Potato Chips market, primarily driven by the high demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks and a large consumer base. The region's well-established retail infrastructure, coupled with strong brand presence from major players, has facilitated market growth. Also, North America's diverse consumer preferences for innovative flavors, healthier options, and premium snacks have further fuelled market expansion. With a strong focus on product innovation, sustainability, and e-commerce growth, the region continues to maintain a leading position in the global fried potato chips market. Also, Asia-Pacific Fried Potato Chips market is driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer lifestyles. As more consumers in the region adopt Western snacking habits, the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks like fried potato chips has surged.

Recent Developments

• In February 2023, Kettle Brand launched its new Air Fried Chips, the first kettle-cooked, air-fried potato chips, available in Sea Salt & Vinegar, Jalapeno, and Himalayan Salt flavors. The new item, created using Kettle Brand’s technology that is awaiting patent approval, has a light and crispy texture and contains 30% less fat than the original versions.

Key Market Players

• Campbell’s Company
• PepsiCo, Inc
• Orkla Eesti AS
• Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG
• ITC Limited
• Shivoham Foods Private Limited
• Maverick Bakes
• Kiwi Food
• Priniti Foods Pvt. Ltd
• Aajfoods & Co

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Fried Potato Chips Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•   Fried Potato Chips Market, By Type:

o   Plain

o   Salted

o   Flavored

• Fried Potato Chips Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Supermarket & Hypermarket

o   Convenience Stores

o   Specialty Stores

o   Online

o   Others

• Fried Potato Chips Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   South America

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

§  Brazil

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

§  Kuwait

§  Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Fried Potato Chips Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Fried Potato Chips Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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