McCain Foods has agreed to acquire the frozen potato-processing business of India-based Falcon Agrifriz Foods.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
In a statement today (12 October), the Canadian frozen-food group called the deal an “important next step” in its long-term growth strategy in India.
The transaction includes Falcon Agrifriz’s automated processing facility in Gujarat, which produces a range of frozen potato products for retail and foodservice channels domestically and internationally.
Toronto-based McCain’s product range in India includes fries, aloo tikki and vegetable fingers, along with cheese bites and mini cheese samosas.
Falcon Agrifriz established and commissioned the site in under two years, according to vice chairman Parthajeet Patnaik.
McCain said the facility will “complement” its existing plant in Mehsana by “creating greater flexibility across its manufacturing network and strengthening its ability to serve customers”.
Falcon Agrifriz employs more than 450 staff and works with a contract-farming network of over 1,000 growers across Gujarat.
Pierre Danet, McCain regional president for Asia Pacific and South Africa, said India “continues to be a priority growth market for McCain Foods”.
“By strengthening our manufacturing network, we will be better positioned to grow alongside our customers, growers and communities for the long term,” Danet said.
Manish Tibrewal, Falcon Agrifriz director and CEO, added that McCain is the “right company to build on the strong foundation we have established at Falcon Agrifriz and take the business forward”.
McCain entered India in 1998. The business employs more than 940 direct staff and partners with over 2,500 growers across the country.
The acquisition follows a recent C$135m ($94.6m) expansion of its operations in Mehsana, which added 110 full-time and 150 contract roles.
Globally, the privately held business operates 49 manufacturing plants, employing roughly 22,000 staff to generate more than C$16bn in annual revenue.
Just over two weeks ago, the French fries maker abandoned plans to build its first manufacturing plant in Germany, citing inflationary pressures, excess European processing capacity, and softer demand.
McCain is also planning to shutter its Hastings production facility in New Zealand early next year.
Late in 2025, the group sold its vegetable manufacturing operations in South Africa, following its acquisition of US-based potato processor Penobscot McCrum.
