Argentina: Mendoza to become leading producer of pre-fried potatoes

Mendoza could become the leading producer of pre-fried potatoes for consumption in South America, as it will contribute more than 50% of the product and increase its exports by 5%, thanks to a very significant investment. This should begin to yield results within 18 months. As announced more than two months ago, JR Simplot will invest around 132 million dollars (i.e some $2,000 million pesos) in Mendoza to produce frozen pre-fried potatoes and flaked mashed potatoes. The US multinational, in partnership with Fabio Calcaterra, a cousin of President Mauricio Macri, are both owners and shareholders of San Fili SA and have already selected and purchased the land where they will build a 400,000 square-meter plant to process about 140 tons of potatoes a year. “The most complex thing was to find an area that had logistical conveniences, electricity, gas and water. Mendoza has had serious energy and water issues because of the lack of public and private investment,” said the Minister of Economy, Infrastructure and Energy, Enrique Vaquie. More