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by The Grower
implemented to produce clean potable water to be used in the manufacturing process.
McCain Foods to invest $600 million in Alberta potato processing plant
KAREN DAVIDSON
McCain Foods is making a history-making investment of $600 million to double the size of its facility and output near Chin, Alberta.
“The development in Alberta marks our largest global investment in our 65-year history, totalling $600 million, while underscoring our commitment to the future of agriculture and innovation in Canada,” said Max Koeune, president & chief executive officer, McCain Foods. “This will fuel continued growth for the business, allowing us to serve key markets further by bringing customers high-quality potatoes that begin with our dedicated local farming community.”
The news is welcomed by Terence Hochstein, executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta. “When the plant is at full capacity, it will more than double its current production capacity here in Alberta. And the majority of that production will be under irrigation in southern Alberta.”
Millions of dollars are currently deployed to build new irrigation infrastructure in Alberta, a development that is driving new investment for value-added processing.
“The spinoff benefits are huge for our seed potato industry in central and northern Alberta,” said Hochstein. “It’s not often that an opportunity arises for our market to expand right here in the province.”
Aligned with McCain’s sustainability commitments, best practices will be implemented to ensure the facility helps McCain continue to work towards its goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations in half by the end of the decade. The expansion will include wind turbines and solar panels, providing 100% renewable electricity to the Chin site.
Additionally, renewable biogas generated at the wastewater treatment facility will be maximized and transported to the steam boilers to offset natural gas demands. To further build on sustainability efforts, a water recycling system will be
The expansion will create two new state-of-the-art production lines. Once fully operational, the expansion project will add both hourly and salaried employees to work on these lines, more than doubling the workforce at Coaldale to 485. Construction on the expansion is expected to start later in 2023.
McCain Foods has operated a processing facility near Chin since 2000, currently employing 225 people and working with potato farmers across southern Alberta.
Driscoll’s to unfurl banner for Canadiangrown berries
Driscoll’s will be offering Canadian-grown berries by region in 2023, according to its booth description for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s trade show, April 25-27, 2023.
British Columbia
July-Sept: Raspberries, Blackberries & Blueberries
June-Oct: Strawberries
Québec
June-Sept: Raspberries
July-Sept: Blackberries
July-Oct: Strawberries
Ontario
Nov-May Strawberries (indoor)
