MCCAIN TO EXPAND FRENCH OPERATIONS

€350 MILLION INVESTMENT ANNOUNCED TO UPGRADE PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND INCREASE PRODUCTION CAPACITY.

MCCAIN Foods has unveiled plans to invest €350 million over the next five years in its French potato processing facilities to expand the company’s production capacity and support the growth of its operations in France.

The funds will be directed towards McCain’s sites in Harnes, Béthune, and Matougues, all located in northern and north-eastern France. These facilities, which collectively employ around 800 people.

CEO Max Koeune said the facilities have reached full production capacity and that McCain Foods is aiming to increase its overall French production capacity by 25%.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the Matougues factory, whose modernisation will account for €25 million of the investment. This facility produces around 650 tonnes of frozen fries per day, with half of the output sold domestically and the other half exported.

SHORTAGE OF SEEDLINGS AND PRICE RISES SEEN IN FRANCE

CO-OPERATIVE EXPANDS ACREAGE

EURO CONCERNS ON UNCONTROLLED SEED MOVEMENT