McCain Foods Acquires Penobscot McCrum to Increase its French Fry Production Capacity in North America

McCain Foods (McCain), a global leader in prepared potato and appetizer products, has entered into an agreement to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC (McCrum), one of North America’s premier suppliers of frozen potato specialty products. The transaction represents an important step in strengthening McCain’s North American network and its operations in potato products. Closing of the transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. 

The transaction includes McCrum’s potato processing facility in Washburn, Maine. The McCrum farming operation will remain independently owned and will enter a long-term potato supply agreement with McCain. All of the approximately 130 employees at the Washburn facility will join McCain, with McCrum’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supporting the transition.

Aerial view of the state-of-the-art Penobscot McCrum potato processing facility in Washburn, Maine, which will join McCain Foods’ North American network.

McCain has been part of Maine’s potato industry for nearly 50 years, acquiring its Easton, Maine, processing facility in 1976 and working alongside local growers, ever since. Built in 2020, the McCrum processing facility in Washburn is a state-of-the-art and highly automated plant, adding capacity to complement McCain’s Easton facility, supporting local employment and regional supply resilience.

The American Northeast is an important agricultural hub, and an area where McCrum has a proud legacy, providing a strong foundation for continued growth and further investment in Maine farmers that will bring more Maine-grown potato products to tables across the country.

Howard Snape, Regional President at McCain Foods, North America:

"As family-owned companies dedicated to producing foods families love, there is a lot of synergy between McCain and McCrum. We share a strong commitment to integrity, sustainability, and the highest-quality standards. Both companies enjoy strong relationships with local farmers, and all of that will continue. On the ground, we expect this transition to be seamless for the newest additions to the McCain team and the McCrum farmers who grow potatoes for us."

The acquisition will further support McCain’s position as a leader in the supply of North American potato products, advancing innovation, strengthening transportation logistics, and enhancing customer service. Incorporating McCrum’s state-of-the-art processing facility will also provide flexibility to pursue modernization, lower costs, optimized processing, and better serve McCain’s customer base.

Jay McCrum, Owner and CEO at Penobscot McCrum:

"This is a natural next step for the long-standing partnership between our farming operations and McCain Foods. We know McCain. We know their values. We have every confidence they will build on our family’s legacy while allowing us to continue to grow in agriculture, just as we have for more than five generations."

For more information, visit mccain.com.