McCain Foods is taking a new strategic step in the North American market: the Canadian group has signed an agreement to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, a leading US supplier of frozen potato specialties. The transaction, still subject to customary closing conditions, aims to consolidate McCain's US production network and increase capacity in the potato and appetizers segment.
The agreement includes the Washburn, Maine, processing plant, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2020. The McCrum family's farming operations will remain independent but will be tied to McCain through a long-term supply agreement. The site's approximately 130 employees will join the McCain team, while McCrum's CEO and CFO will support the transition.
McCain has been operating in Maine for nearly fifty years, since acquiring the Easton plant in 1976, working closely with local growers. The addition of the modern Washburn plant will allow the group to increase capacity, operational flexibility, and the resilience of its regional supply chain. The Northeast United States is a major agricultural hub, where McCain has built a history of quality and strong relationships with the local area. According to McCain, this base will allow for further investment in Maine's agricultural supply chains and increase the availability of "Maine-grown" products nationwide.
“McCain and McCrum share family values, a focus on sustainability, and strong ties to farmers,” commented Howard Snape, Regional President North America for McCain Foods. “We expect a seamless transition for our new colleagues and for the growers who will continue to work with us.” For McCain, the transaction also represents an opportunity to accelerate innovation, modernize processes, optimize costs, and improve logistics and customer service. “This natural step strengthens a partnership that has lasted generations,” said Jay McCrum, CEO of Penobscot McCrum. “We know McCain and his values; we are confident he will grow our legacy while keeping our agricultural identity alive.” With 22.000 employees, 49 plants worldwide, and over CAD $16 billion in revenue, McCain has consolidated its position as a global player in the frozen potato and appetizer market.
