Ahmedabad: McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Falcon Agrifriz Foods’ frozen potato processing business in Gujarat, expanding its manufacturing network in the state.The transaction will add Falcon’s processing facility to McCain’s existing operations in Mehsana. The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions.Falcon operates a modern, fully automated potato processing facility that produces frozen potato products for domestic and international markets. The company employs more than 450 people and works with more than 1,000 farmers across Gujarat.McCain said, “The acquisition would increase manufacturing flexibility and strengthen our ability to serve domestic customers and export markets.”The company also plans to build on Falcon’s existing relationships with employees and growers after the transaction closes. “India continues to be a priority growth market for McCain Foods,” said Pierre Danet, regional president for Asia Pacific and South Africa at McCain. He said the acquisition reflected the company’s confidence in the Indian market and its long-term investment plans.McCain entered India in 1998 with a three-person team. It now employs more than 940 people directly and partners with over 2,500 farmers nationwide.The proposed acquisition follows McCain’s recent investment in Gujarat, including a C$135 million expansion of its existing operations. The expansion created 110 full-time jobs and 150 contract roles, the company said.Falcon’s leadership said McCain was well placed to build on the processing business’s existing operations. The company said it had established the facility in less than two years.“We look forward to welcoming Falcon employees and growers to the McCain network,” said Aditya Krishna, managing director of McCain Foods India. He said the company would continue investing in local employment and regional industrial development.
