Lamb Weston Alimentos Modernos, now majority-owned by Lamb Weston Holdings, has confirmed that its Mar del Plata plant will commence commercial exports of frozen French fries and potato chips in late July 2025. The first shipment will depart on CMA CGM’s “Platón” container ship, marking a significant milestone for Argentina’s agricultural export sector.
One of the World’s Largest Frozen Potato Plants
Located in the General Savio Industrial Park, the facility spans three key modules:
- A high-capacity production plant
- Cold-storage warehouses covering nearly one hectare
- A planned expansion zone matching the initial footprint
The construction, completed in over two years, positions the plant among the largest frozen potato-processing facilities globally.
Export Capacity and Logistics
According to Emilio Bustamante (Head of Container Terminal 2, TC2), Lamb Weston expects to export 10,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) annually, with the first shipments departing in late July. The CMA CGM Platón (170 meters long) operates a weekly route connecting Mar del Plata to Santos, Brazil, enhancing export efficiency.
Market Reach: Domestic and International Demand
The plant is projected to allocate:
- 70–75% of production for export
- 25–30% for the domestic market
Its strategic location near Route 88 and the Circunvalación road ensures smooth logistics, supporting over 60 daily truck movements to the port.
Economic Impact: Jobs and Investment
The facility is estimated to generate 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing Argentina’s agri-industrial workforce. This follows Lamb Weston’s earlier US $240 million investment in September 2022, which increased its stake in the joint venture to 90% and added a new French fry production line with a capacity of over 200 million pounds annually, creating 250 additional jobs.
Port Expansion Fuels Export Growth
Since the CMA CGM Platón service launched in May 2024, Mar del Plata’s port has seen a 130% surge in container traffic, shifting from bi-weekly to weekly vessel departures. This expansion has significantly enhanced Argentina’s frozen food export capabilities.
Lamb Weston’s Mar del Plata facility represents a transformative development for Argentina’s agricultural sector, combining advanced processing technology, strategic logistics, and strong export potential. By meeting global demand for frozen potato products, the plant will drive economic growth, job creation, and international trade opportunities, reinforcing Argentina’s role in the agri-food supply chain.
