McCain acquires Belgian potato processor

Canadian frozen foods company McCain Foods – who claim that one in every three fries eaten worldwide…

Canadian frozen foods company McCain Foods – who claim that one in every three fries eaten worldwide is a McCain fry - and Belgian company Pinguin have finalised the acquisition by McCain of the potato division of Pinguin Lutosa. The acquisition encompasses the Lutosa brand, its frozen, chilled and dehydrated potato products, its two production facilities and its associated resources. McCain believes it is a significant growth opportunity to further strengthen the McCain Group’s global position; Lutosa’s brand is positioned in the mid-range segment, complementing the premium market position of McCain’s core business.

To comply with European competition laws, the Lutosa retail brand in Europe will be licensed to a third party.

Pinguin is active predominantly in three segments: deep-frozen vegetables, potatoes and canned goods. Apart from the production and sales of deep-frozen potato products (chips and specialties), the group also produces chilled pre-fried chips and potato flakes. The group has 15 production sites in six different countries (Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Poland, Germany and Hungary) and 19 subsidiaries and sales offices on five continents.