In a significant boost for Australian agriculture, global potato processing giant Farm Frites has confirmed its first production facility in the country will be constructed in Dooen, within the Wimmera region of Victoria. With formal planning approval granted in November 2025, the project represents a substantial AUD $300 million (approx. EUR 185 million) investment. The plant is designed to process 250,000 tonnes of potatoes annually, creating around 250 full-time jobs, with construction set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026 and production slated for 2027. Strategically positioned next to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal, the 24/7 facility will leverage excellent road and rail links to manufacture frozen potato products, primarily french fries, for both the domestic Australian market and key export destinations across the Asia-Pacific.
This development is a game-changer for Australian potato growers. Farm Frites has already initiated contact with farmers across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia to secure long-term raw potato supply contracts. This provides growers with a stable, high-volume offtake channel, mitigating market volatility. The investment aligns with a growing trend of food security and import substitution in Australia. According to a 2024 report from AgriFutures Australia, the nation’s potato processing sector has seen consistent growth, yet a significant portion of frozen potato products, especially for food service, are still imported. This new plant will directly address that gap, strengthening domestic supply chains. While initial 2025 reports speculated on a larger facility (AUD $425 million, 500,000-tonne capacity), the refined final plan indicates a focused and feasible first-phase investment that solidifies Farm Frites’ global footprint while providing a tangible, near-term market for local producers.
The Farm Frites facility is more than just a factory; it is a cornerstone investment that will elevate the entire Australian potato industry. For growers, it promises secured demand and a premium for processing-grade potatoes. For the agricultural sector, it demonstrates confidence in Australian production capabilities and enhances the nation’s role as a reliable food supplier in the Asia-Pacific region. This project underscores the critical importance of integrating on-farm production with advanced manufacturing and global logistics to build a more resilient and profitable agricultural economy.
