French fries manufacturer McCain is in the market to contract 1,500 hectares of extra potatoes over the next two years.
This is the result of the expansion of the production capacity of its factory in Lelystad. In addition to a new processing hall of 9,000 m2, the potato chips manufacturer is also renewing its existing production lines there.
McCain is currently engaged in a substantial expansion of its chip factory in Lelystad. Company is investing a total of 65 million euros in this facility. Production capacity increases by 33 percent. If everything goes according to plan, the new part will be taken into use in February 2022. This expansion is completely separate from the current potato processing crisis as a result of the corona pandemic. That is what McCain director Luc Geurts says to Nieuwe Oogst. The manufacturer says it has full confidence in a recovery of fries consumption. The manufacturer says it anticipates this with the expansion of its production capacity.
1,500 ha more potatoes
Due to the expansion, McCain needs more potatoes. To this end, it wants to expand its contract area by 20 percent from harvest 2022. This means approximately 1,500 hectares. The chip manufacturer says it wants to do this on the one hand by entering into broader contracts with its existing contract growers and on the other, possibly also by purchasing potatoes from new growers.
Innovator
For its sales channels in the catering industry and quick-service restaurants, McCain is mainly looking for potatoes with sufficient length and good baking properties. Innovator is an important variety for that target group. In addition, McCain also has a number of its own high-yield varieties that growers can grow exclusively for company. According to the potato processor, these varieties do well in processing. While they stand out in cultivation because of their broad resistance to potato fatigue, among other things.
