McCain Foods has entered into an agreement to buy Falcon Agrifriz Foods’ frozen potato processing enterprise in Gujarat, India. The transaction represents an important next step in the Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada-headquartered company’s long-term growth in India, adding manufacturing capacity and complementing its existing operations in Gujarat to better serve customers and growing demand. Finalization of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
Falcon Agrifriz operates a state-of-the-art potato processing facility in Gujarat, producing a range of frozen products for domestic and international markets. Its french fry line capacity is 15 tons per hour, while potato specialty line capacity is 3.5 tons hourly.
The acquisition will complement McCain’s existing operations in Mehsana, strengthening its manufacturing footprint and creating a strong platform to support future growth and serve growing domestic demand and key export markets.
“India continues to be a priority growth market for McCain Foods,” said Pierre Danet, the company’s regional president for Asia Pacific and South Africa. “This acquisition reflects our confidence in the Indian market and builds on nearly three decades of continued investment in our people, local operations and agricultural partnerships. By strengthening our manufacturing network, we will be better positioned to grow alongside our customers, growers and communities for the long term.”
Since launching in 1998 with a three-person team, McCain has steadily expanded its operations and workforce in India. Today, it employs more than 940 people directly and partners with over 2,500 farmers across the country. The addition of the Falcon Agrifriz processing facility will complement the company’s existing Mehsana operations, creating greater flexibility across its manufacturing network and strengthening its ability to serve customers.
Falcon Agrifriz has built an organization of more than 450 employees along with relationships with over 1,000 farmers across Gujarat, providing a strong foundation for the business. In addition to shoestring french fries, the company’s portfolio of Just Crave brand products includes skin-on fries, potato wedges, hash browns and potato cheese balls.
“We are proud of the modern, fully automated processing facility we have built at Falcon Agrifriz in less than two years, and especially proud of the talented employees and growers who have helped bring it to life,” said Vice Chairman Parthajeet Patnaik.
“McCain shares our values and our confidence in the growth potential of India’s frozen food market,” added Manish Tibrewal, director chief executive officer of Falcon Agrifriz. “As a global leader in frozen potato products, McCain is the right company to build on the strong foundation we have established and take the business forward.”
The acquisition builds on McCain’s recent investment in India, including the completion of a CAD $135 million expansion of its existing operations in Gujarat, creating jobs for 110 full-time employees and 150 contract workers.
“McCain has been part of India’s food and agriculture sector for nearly thirty years and we remain committed to its continued growth,” said Aditya Krishna, managing director of McCain Foods India. “Our success has been built alongside our people, growers, customers and communities. We look forward to welcoming Falcon employees and growers to the McCain network and continuing to create local employment opportunities and support regional industrial development.”
