French fry processing facility now open in Argentina

Global frozen potato company Lamb Weston Holdings has opened a 430,000-square-foot french fry processing facility in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The plant has the capacity to process 200 million pounds of potatoes annually, producing more than 100 varieties of frozen potato products, according to a news release.

The facility, announced in September 2022, is now fully operational and completed its first shipments to Brazil, according to the release. In total, approximately 80% of product will be exported to Brazil and other Latin America markets, capitalizing on the strategic location of the Mar del Plata port.

“We’re excited to reach this important company milestone as the Mar del Plata, Argentina plant will be a key strategic asset in meeting customers’ needs and expanding our business in Latin America,” Lamb Weston president and CEO Mike Smith said in the release. “This grand opening marks the completion of our quest to build out a modern, state-of-the-art facility, setting new standards for quality, efficiency and sustainability, custom-made to meet customers’ requirements.”

Lamb Weston said the facility has created 250 direct jobs and approximately 3,000 indirect positions. The company said it is working with more than 100 local producers to source raw materials for the plant, which uses sustainable practices to reduce waste and maximize natural resources.

“Opening our doors in Mar del Plata is significant for Lamb Weston and our customers, but also for Argentina, injecting additional income into the region, engaging experienced, innovative Argentine talent, and proudly supplying all of Latin America with our beloved french fries,” said Romina Broda, Lamb Weston vice president and general manager of Latin America. “We are pleased to invest in the local industry and, together, take Argentine quality and ingenuity to the broader region.”