Canada/US: McCain expansion could benefit Aroostook potato growers

McCain Foods, the largest buyer of potatoes in Aroostook County, is planning a major expansion at its potato products factory in Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, that could benefit growers in Aroostook. McCain Foods will be investing approximately $50 million (U.S.) at the Florenceville-Bristol french fry plant to focus on the market for potato hash browns. With an additional 32,000 square feet and new equipment, the expansion will start by 2018 and add as many as 50 jobs at the factory. “Hash browns and other specialty products are the fastest-growing segment of the potato market,” said Jeffery DeLapp, McCain’s North America regional president, in a media release. “This investment will help us continue to grow our North American and export businesses and, just as importantly, allow us to support our customers’ growth targets as well.” More