Farm Frites, a global leader in frozen potato products, has announced plans to construct its first production facility in Australia. The plant, to be located in Dooen, Victoria, represents a major investment in the Australian food processing industry, with a budget of approximately A$440 million ($276.8 million USD). This move signals the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint while tapping into Australia’s robust potato-growing regions.
The 30-hectare facility will include unloading and storage areas for raw potatoes, an advanced closed conveyor system for transportation, and a state-of-the-art production line to convert potatoes into frozen products such as fries, wedges, and hashbrowns. The site is strategically positioned near the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal and the Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub, ensuring efficient transportation and distribution across Australia.
Why Victoria?
The selection of Dooen, just 9 km from Horsham, is based on multiple factors:
- Proximity to Key Growing Regions: The location is close to major potato-producing areas in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
- Logistical Advantages: Its connection to national road and rail networks facilitates efficient product distribution.
- Government Support: The project is backed by the Horsham Rural City Council and the State Government’s Development Facilitation Programme, reinforcing local commitment to agribusiness expansion.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
The new factory is expected to create approximately 245 jobs, including production and sales roles, providing a significant boost to the local economy. For Australian potato farmers, the plant presents an opportunity to supply directly to a major processor, reducing dependence on imports from Farm Frites’ European operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland.
According to industry data, Australia produced approximately 1.3 million tonnes of potatoes in 2023, with Victoria being a leading contributor. The country currently imports a significant portion of its frozen potato products, primarily from Europe and New Zealand. Farm Frites’ presence in Australia is expected to reduce these imports and increase domestic processing capacity.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Before construction begins in late 2025 or early 2026, Farm Frites requires:
- A planning permit from Australia’s Minister for Planning, with support from the local council.
- A Development Licence from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria.
Environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage, waste management, and energy efficiency, will be closely scrutinized. With Australia’s strict environmental regulations, Farm Frites will need to ensure sustainable production practices to gain necessary approvals.
Farm Frites’ expansion into Australia marks a pivotal moment for the local potato industry. The investment will not only enhance domestic processing capabilities but also strengthen Australia’s agribusiness sector. While challenges remain in obtaining regulatory approvals and managing environmental impact, the plant has the potential to transform the country’s potato supply chain. If successful, this project could pave the way for further investment in Australia’s food processing industry, fostering greater self-sufficiency in potato products.
