McCain Foods Expands India Operations with Falcon Agrifriz Potato Business Acquisition

McCain Foods announced on October 12 that it has agreed to purchase the frozen potato processing business in Gujarat, India, from Falcon Agrifriz Foods. According to the statement, McCain's current activities in Mehsana, Gujarat, will be enhanced by this acquisition. Its manufacturing footprint will be even more robust as a result.

Hence, laying the groundwork for future growth and meeting the needs of expanding domestic demand as well as important export markets. This purchase follows McCain's previous forays into the Indian market, which included the completion of an extension of its current operations in Gujarat for $135 million CAD.

Acquisition Aligns with McCain’s Expansion Plans in India

Although the specifics of the deal were not disclosed, McCain has stated that this acquisition is a component of their plan for future expansion in the Indian market. It further said that the transaction's conclusion is contingent upon the fulfilment of standard closing conditions. According to Pierre Danet, McCain Foods' Regional President for Asia Pacific and South Africa, India remains a top growth market target.

The firm's faith in the Indian market is evident in this transaction. Additionally, it expands upon the nearly 30-year history of sustained investment in McCain's employees, regional operations, and agricultural alliances. Danet elaborated by saying that McCain will be better able to weather the long haul of growth with its consumers, farmers, and communities if it fortifies its manufacturing network.

Falcon Agrifriz Manufacturing Plant in Gujarat

In Gujarat, Falcon Agrifriz has a state-of-the-art potato processing plant that supplies local and foreign markets with a variety of frozen potato products. It has a network of over 1,000 farmers in Gujarat and employs more than 450 people. The company expressed its anticipation of further strengthening these partnerships once the purchase closes, adding them to its larger network of farming partners in India. Falcon Agrifriz's Vice Chairman Parthajeet Patnaik expressed the company's pride in its state-of-the-art, fully automated processing facility, which it completed in under two years.

Additionally, he mentioned that the company is particularly pleased with the skilled workers and farmers who have contributed to its realisation. Aditya Krishna, Managing Director of McCain Foods India, further mentioned that McCain is excited to have Falcon's staff and farmers join their network. As it moves into the next stage of its long-term growth in India, it will also keep supporting regional industry development and creating local employment opportunities.

Global Network of Falcon Group

Falcon Agrifriz is a subsidiary of Falcon Group, a conglomerate with holdings in seafood, healthcare, hospitals, real estate, banking, mining and metals, and frozen potato production, among other industries. In addition to holding assets in Africa and India, the group has offices in Dubai and India. One of the leading Indian exporters of frozen prawns is Falcon Marine Exports Ltd., its flagship company. More than 3,500 individuals are employed by the firm, and they export to over 30 countries. Falcon Agrifriz's website has further information regarding the potato business.