McCain Foods Announces BRL 1.8 billion Expansion of Araxá Plant, Boosting Production and Sustainability in Brazil

McCain Foods (McCain), the leading prepared potato company, announces the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Araxá, Minas Gerais, with an estimated investment of R$ 1.8 billion (USD 334 million), our biggest investment historically in the region.

Expansion to Boost Production and Support Growing Demand

McCain has significantly expanded its presence in Brazil in recent years, McCain has strengthened its presence in Brazil with significant investments, such as the inauguration of the Araxá plant in 2022 and the full acquisition of Forno de Minas in 2023.

The Araxá plant expansion project includes a new French fry production line, and a pre-formed products line – significantly enhancing McCain’s capacity in Brazil to meet rising demand with greater local agility, ensuring continued support for regional customers, and advancing innovation through new technology.

The new production line is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2027 and aims to significantly expand McCain’s ability to serve customers throughout Brazil, with a focus on the Retail, Cash & Carry and Food Service channels, including the Fast-Food segment.

Closer view of the McCain Foods plant in Araxá (MG), which will receive new French fry and pre-formed product lines as part of the company’s largest regional investment.

Aluizio Periquito Neto, Managing Director of the McCain Brazil group:

"Brazil is on track to become the third-largest market for frozen French fries globally, positioning itself as a strategic priority for McCain. This investment reaffirms the importance of the Brazilian market to our business and our ambition to grow in a consistent and responsible way."

The expansion also includes the construction of new storage facilities dedicated to raw potatoes, ensuring a continuous supply of high-quality products throughout the year. The cold storage capacity for frozen products will also be expanded. 

In addition to strengthening the company's presence in the country, expansion will bring significant socioeconomic benefits to the region. It is estimated that more than 350 jobs will be created in Araxá, along with the involvement of over 1,000 professionals in the agricultural sector.

Sustainable Expansion

One of McCain's key priorities is strengthening its commitment to planet-friendly practices. Therefore, the expansion will follow global operational standards, which guide how facilities are designed and operated to reduce environmental impact. The existing plant already operates with 100% renewable energy and recently received carbon neutral certification1 from BSI for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

Aluizio Periquito Neto:

"Driving sustainable practices in everything we do and caring for the planet have always been global priorities for McCain — and the expansion of the Araxá plant will be no exception."