Farm Frites announces a AUD 300 million Dooen mega-facility — the company’s first Australian production plant, set to boost Asia-Pacific supply of premium fries.
Farm Frites is moving ahead with its first Australian production facility, selecting Dooen in western Victoria as the site for a major new plant that will act as the company’s Asia-Pacific manufacturing hub. The project has now received planning approval from the Victorian Government.
Latest Announcements from Australia
Early November 2025, the Victorian Government approved the development under its Development Facilitation Program, confirming an investment of AUD 300 million (approx. EUR 185 million) and an expected processing capacity of 250,000 tonnes of potatoes annually.
The facility is projected to create around 250 full-time jobs once operational, with construction targeted to begin in late 2025 or early 2026 and production expected in 2027.
Kieran Prestidge, General Manager at Farm Frites Australia:
“Farm Frites Australia is delighted to have chosen Dooen – and the Wimmera – for our first Australian production facility and our AUD 300 million investment in Victorian jobs, Australian farmers and local manufacturing.”
“Dooen is perfectly located between the best growing regions in Australia and has excellent road and rail links, which will help us put more Australian produce on plates and tables all around the country.”
Danny Pearson, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Victoria:
“This is a huge investment that will see hundreds of jobs created for local workers, driving revenue for the Wimmera and right across the state.”
“We’re proudly backing companies to invest in advanced manufacturing because we know it is key to unlocking economic growth and creating more opportunities for all Victorians.”
Project Scope and Regional Impact
The Dooen facility will operate 24 hours per day and is positioned next to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal, offering direct road and rail access for domestic distribution and potential export markets. The plant will manufacture french fries and other frozen potato products for both Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Farm Frites has already been in contact with growers across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia to secure long-term raw-potato supply agreements.
Earlier Mentions and Initial Projections
Early 2025 reports in Australian trade media indicated that the company was considering a larger proposal valued at AUD 425 million (approx. EUR 260 million) with a potential capacity of up to 500,000 tonnes of raw potatoes annually. These early figures have since been refined following detailed planning and consultation.
Community-level reporting from Wimmera and Horsham media throughout 2025 highlighted the scale of the project, its proximity to other regional developments, and local expectations around employment and infrastructure investment.
Construction Timeline
- Early 2025: First public reporting of the proposed factory.
- November 2025: Victorian Government grants approval and confirms AUD 300 million (approx. EUR 185 million) investment.
- Late 2025 / 2026: Site preparation and construction to begin.
- 2027: Planned start of production.
Strategic Importance
With this project, Farm Frites expands its global manufacturing footprint while strengthening Australia’s domestic processing capacity. The Dooen facility is intended to serve as a long-term cornerstone for supplying both the Australian market and regional export destinations.
