Argentina: With the Balcarce plant as a strategic hub in the region, McCain reaffirms its leading position in the frozen potato market.

Founded in 1957 in Florenceville, Canada, by the McCain brothers, this company has transformed itself over the decades into a true global giant. Currently, it has a presence in more than 160 countries, operates 60 plants, and employs over 20,000 people across six continents. Its impact is so significant that, worldwide, one in four frozen French fries consumed bears its distinctive brand.

In Argentina, this leadership is even more pronounced. The company dominates two-thirds of the local market and supplies fast-food chains, restaurants, and households on a massive scale. In the country, two out of every three frozen potatoes consumed are its brand. Furthermore, it is present in 75% of fast-food chains, 67% of restaurants, and 65% of supermarkets. In the home food sector, it holds 33% of the market share and boasts an impressive 89% brand recall among consumers, solidifying its position as the undisputed number one choice in its category.

Productive power: Balcarce as the epicenter

The heart of this operation for South America is located in the town of Balcarce. There stands the largest plant of its kind in the entire region, covering an area of ​​64,000 square meters. This production center directly employs more than 750 people and produces approximately 220,000 tons of finished product annually, processing around 400,000 tons of fresh potatoes per year.

Operating 24/7 without interruption, the plant has two production lines dedicated to potato chips, one to mashed potatoes, and another to specialty products. In total, it offers a portfolio of over 50 varieties, including specialty cuts, vegetables, and appetizers. Furthermore, its focus is strongly export-oriented: 65% of its production is destined primarily for Brazil and other Latin American markets, adhering to strict international standards such as AIB, ISO 14001, GFSI, and Global GAP for agricultural practices.

Innovation in the field and commitment to sustainability

The foundation of this massive operation lies in an agricultural network encompassing some 7,000 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of raw materials. Of this total, 60% belongs to local producers in Balcarce and the surrounding area, while 40% comes from fields leased directly by the company, equivalent to more than 2,400 hectares.

Thanks to coordinated work with local producers and the use of advanced technologies such as pivot irrigation systems, mechanized harvesting, and new plant varieties, yields have improved significantly since the company’s arrival in the country. Yields have reached levels between 40 and 60 tons per hectare.

Romina Varela, Agriculture Director at McCain Argentina, emphasized that these innovations not only optimize productivity but also strengthen agricultural sustainability. According to Varela, work in regenerative agriculture has intensified in recent years, solidifying the company’s position as a pioneer in this approach within the sector. The goal is to promote best practices both in the crops themselves and among partner producers to ensure a more sustainable future.

In line with this strategic vision, McCain’s Argentine subsidiary obtained B Corp certification in 2025. This achievement endorses its business model based on the triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental impact, marking an institutional commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.