Argentina: McCain 30 years with Balcarce
A productive, social and environmental impact that transformed the region
McCain’s presence in Balcarce celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this year, consolidating its position as the first and largest frozen French fries plant in Latin America. With a cumulative investment exceeding $320 million, and a projected future investment of another $100 million to improve technology and efficiency, the multinational company has left a profound mark on the economy, the community, and the regional environment.
In a presentation held at the Juan Manuel Fangio Museum’s micro-theater in the presence of local and national media, McCain Southern Cone’s top executives provided a detailed overview of production, the market, and the challenges for the coming years, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and close ties with local producers.
Since its inception in 1995, the Balcarce plant has established itself as a strategic pillar for McCain Argentina and the regional market. With over 64,000 square meters of space, it directly employs more than 750 employees in Balcarce and Mar del Plata, and generates approximately 3,000 indirect jobs.
The plant processes 400,000 tons of fresh potatoes from the fields annually and produces approximately 220,000 tons of finished product at a rate of 30 tons per hour. To sustain this production, 60 tons of potatoes are brought in per hour, equivalent to two trucks. The storage capacity is equally significant, with space for 100,000 tons of fresh potatoes and more than 11,000 tons of finished product.
In addition to its main line of pre-fried potatoes, the plant offers additional lines, such as mashed potatoes and other specialty products, which diversify its offering.
MARKET AND UNDISPUTED LEADERSHIP
McCain is the undisputed leader in the Argentine frozen French fries market, with a two-thirds share of the total market. Two out of every three frozen French fries consumed in the country carry the McCain brand.
The company supplies the three main channels: fast food, independent restaurants, and consumer goods, with a presence in 67% of restaurants, 65% of supermarkets, and 75% of fast food chains.
Per capita consumption of fresh and pre-fried potatoes in Argentina is around 52 kilos and 2.2 kilos annually, respectively. The frozen pre-fried potato market registers an annual production of 320,000 tons, of which more than 70% is exported, mainly to Brazil and other Latin American countries.
Globally, McCain is a world leader in frozen foods, with a presence in more than 160 countries, 60 plants and more than
In terms of sustainability, McCain has taken firm steps toward environmental efficiency. The Balcarce plant uses 100% renewable electricity and in 2025 achieved B Corp certification, a recognition of its good practices in agriculture, food safety, and social responsibility.
The "Sembrando Futuro" program, in partnership with the Forge Foundation since 2018, offers free training and job support for young people, with more than 1,500 enrollees and a 60% rate of entry into the formal labor market.
McCain also promotes smart agriculture, with technologies such as pivot irrigation and mechanical harvesting, and supports local producers who grow 60% of the potatoes used at the plant, covering 7,000 hectares in the region.
EXECUTIVES AND SPOKESMEN WHO REFLECT THE REGIONAL PROJECTION
The presentation was attended by McCain’s top executives in the Southern Cone: Diego Peña (General Manager), Matías Victory (Human Resources Director), Romina Varela (Agriculture Director), Luciano Pasqualini (Balcarce Plant Director), Lucas Carimati (Marketing Manager), Mariana Roca (LATAM Corporate Affairs Manager) and Micaela Uberti (LATAM Sustainability Manager).
All emphasized the importance of maintaining the company’s leadership through technological innovation and a strong social and environmental commitment, reaffirming that McCain will continue to be a driving force of development for Balcarce and the region.
Fuente:
