Australian R&D company PotatoMagichas developed a process that turns potato into a functional food base that melts like cheese when heated. The product, known as CHATO, has applications in dairy-free cheese, dip bases, mayonnaise and ice-cream. A haloumi version has a surface which fries crisp while the body melts like cheddar. The product is also suitable for mash and as ready-to-eat potato salad ingredient. The process can use washed potato plant by-product as an input feed, potentially offering growers a higher factory gate price for their potatoes. The company is now entering the pilot phase of the development and is seeking potential suppliers and investors. Enquiries can be directed to info@potatomagic.com.