Latest news with #McCainFoods
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
McCain Foods India Launches Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration Farm in Gujarat
Sabarkantha, Gujarat, India: Marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey, McCain Foods India today announced the launch of its first Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration Farm in Hajipur village, Himmatnagar Taluka, in the district of Sabarkantha, Gujarat. The launch coincides with World Environment Day, underscoring McCain's commitment to climate-smart agriculture and long-term resilience in farming. This initiative is part of McCain's global pledge to implement regenerative agricultural practices across 100% of its grower network by 2030. The demonstration farm aims to serve as a living showcase—bringing together innovation, local relevance, and practical implementation to support farmers in transitioning to regenerative practices. Why this farm matters: The farm will demonstrate key principles of regenerative agriculture, including: Cover cropping and crop rotation to enhance biodiversity and soil structure to enhance biodiversity and soil structure Reduced chemical usage to encourage natural ecosystem balance to encourage natural ecosystem balance Improved water use efficiency through precision practices through precision practices Soil health enhancement for long-term agricultural productivity By offering a hands-on, locally contextual model, the farm will act as a learning and innovation hub for farmers, McCain teams, agri-experts, and partners. Sabarkantha was selected as the site due to its prominence as one of McCain's key growing regions, supported by a strong base of engaged farmers and favorable agro-climatic conditions. Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Mainak Dhar, Managing Director, McCain Foods India, said: 'This Demonstration Farm reflects McCain's deep commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture in India—not just as a concept, but as a practical and scalable reality. As a company rooted in agriculture, we take pride in leading by example. Through this initiative, we aim to build conviction on the ground, enabling farmers to adopt practices that restore soil health, conserve resources, and strengthen resilience over time.' With this farm, McCain strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture in India—offering not only a proof point but a pathway for transition, collaboration, and impact. The farm will continue to evolve as a space for co-creation, experimentation, and shared learning—anchored in the belief that the future of farming must be regenerative. About McCain Foods Advertisement McCain Foods Ltd. is one of the world's largest producers of French Fries and Potato Specialties. Headquartered in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada, McCain has grown to become a global leader in the frozen food industry with 49 production facilities, 22000+ people and its footprints across 160 countries. McCain Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of McCain Foods Limited in India. Since 1998, McCain has been engaged in agriculture R&D and in development of the frozen food market in India and subcontinent countries. McCain products are used by leading fast-food chains, hotels, restaurants, catering companies and are popular for in-home consumption. For more information, please visit Submit your press release Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why McCain Foods made an AR mobile game to teach regenerative farming
This story was originally published on Marketing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Marketing Dive newsletter. McCain Foods, the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, recently reached a milestone in its goal of implementing regenerative farming practices. However, the 68-year-old company observed an awareness gap: While 98% of U.S. and Canadian consumers eat fries, less than 1 in 10 understand the concept of regenerative agriculture. To bring its mission to the mainstream, McCain in February launched its first global campaign, 'Taste Good. Feel Good.' The effort spans creator content, ad spots and in-person experiences. It also includes an augmented reality (AR) game where consumers can make fries using sustainable farming techniques to earn rewards. Since launch, over 77 million virtual fries have been prepared by players, who are spending an average of four-and-a-half minutes with the mobile web-based game. The need to educate consumers on regenerative agriculture is clear, with 57% of Americans and 67% of Canadians wanting to learn more about the subject, according to a brand-commissioned YouGov survey. Creating entertaining experiences like the AR game helps ensure people can build their know-how in a digestible way, explained McCain Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer Christine Kalvenes. 'Nobody wants to be preached at, nobody wants to be talked to, and certainly not talked down to,' said Kalvenes, who stepped into the C-suite in September after serving as McCain's global head of innovation and marketing. 'But if you can make it engaging, if you can meet consumers where they're at, if you can give them something fun to do and make it relevant and put food in their mouth at the same time, the education comes along for the ride.' Private, family-owned McCain has committed to implementing regenerative farming practices across all of the acreage used to grow its potatoes by 2030, and has now helped 71% of its farmers reach the onboarding level of the McCain Regenerative Agriculture Framework. McCain operates commercial-scale hubs for research, which it calls Farms of the Future, to test and scale regenerative practices to support growers. 'Taste Good. Feel Good.' is meant to bring the farm-to-fry experience to life, a goal it used as inspiration for its Farms of the Future AR game. Players can scan a QR code to be transported into the farming experience, where they will get an overview of how to farm potatoes the regenerative way. Consumers can earn prizes, including items made from upcycled and recycled materials, free fries or a farm-themed getaway depending on how many fries they make within the game. 'The game takes you through this educational journey of soil health and reg ag and you don't even realize by the end of it, you know what reg ag is and why it's important,' Kalvenes said. McCain previously experimented with gaming, creating a Roblox experience in 2022 around the launch of its Regen Fries, a limited-time offering made with potatoes cultivated through regenerative farming methods. The activation had players grow virtual potatoes through farming methods that improve soil health. Consumers spent roughly the same amount of time with the Roblox experience as the newer AR game. 'The difference here is now we're on a platform where we can be wherever the consumer is, whenever they want to engage in game play, and the fact that now they're not in a captive environment, they're actually out walking around and still spending four and a half minutes with the game ... we're feeling pretty good about that,' Kalvenes said. McCain brought back its Regen Fries to North America as a limited-time offering for its latest effort and invited consumers to experience Farms of the Future at a pop-up event in New York that lasted from Feb. 27 to March 1. That event also included a Fries of the Future Cafe serving free fries and recipes inspired by sustainability advocate Rachel Brosnahan, chef Kolby Kash and 'potato queen' and chef Poppy O'Toole. The brand also hosted experiences in the U.K. in March and April. O'Toole and Kash are part of influencer activations spanning the U.S., U.K. and Canada, along with featuring in a 30-second spot promoting Regen Fries that also appears as a series of 15-second cutdowns. McCain teamed with Gravity Road on its global campaign, while AR immersive technology partner Rock Paper Reality produced the Farms of the Future game. The game is accessible via QR code on a microsite, and McCain also promoted the experience at its events in New York and London. Additionally, the brand placed the QR code in an ad that ran in the New York Times on Feb. 27. McCain's latest push comes as consumers remain loyal to what is considered to be one of the most popular food items in America. The global frozen french fries market was valued at $23.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $36.5 billion by 2033, per research. However, U.S. consumers in the near term are increasingly concerned about their financial standing as recessionary fears loom. Though the average consumer is not especially deal-oriented when shopping for McCain fries — the product wouldn't be categorized as an impulse buy — the brand is no less vulnerable to price sensitivity than others in the consumer packaged goods category, Kalvenes explained. 'Fries are a staple of a meal, so they tend to make the grocery list, but like any CPG type of product, there's price sensitivity, there's value for the money, and there's brand loyalty and commitment to a brand,' the exec said. McCain's focus on sustainability is one way the brand asserts its value, supported by progress reports and other informative efforts. For others looking to make sustainability a part of their messaging, Kalvenes stresses the importance of going deeper than a marketing campaign. Brands have increasingly been called out for greenwashing when their advertising doesn't align with actual environmental efforts. 'It's meaningless to communicate if you're not putting your money where your mouth is, and you're not standing behind your commitments,' Christine said. 'That's the impetus for driving any form of communication — are you truly standing behind what you're saying you're doing, and is it a relevant message for your consumers?' 'Taste Good. Feel Good.' comes as Kalvenes approaches her second year as McCain's chief marketer. Before joining the brand, she held major roles with SC Johnson, PepsiCo Foods Canada and Frito-Lay. Kalvenes' plans for year two include leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify tasks like reaching a broader audience and crafting more relevant messaging. The plan is to have AI tools in place by the end of the year. Beyond that, Kalvenes is strategizing more ways to fit into consumers' lives, including through an increased focus on OOH occasions. 'Being the world's largest french fry producer, we're in a lot of out-of-home occasions, and consumers don't know that we are your out-of-home fry,' Kalvenes said. 'We're looking to drive more engagement opportunities like this, where we can be at the moment of consumption and really spend time with our loyalists that way. We're also looking at the right innovation for those occasions.' Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One in three hospitality workers want to start their own business in the sector
One in three hospitality workers in the UK are considering starting their own business in the sector but are being held back by lack of funding and other barriers. A report commissioned from frozen chip maker McCain Foods found that almost two thirds cited limited access to funding and more than a third a 'lack of training and mentorship' as major barriers to entrepreneurship. The research also revealed that nearly half of UK residents believe more support is needed to attract and retain talent in the industry. Seven out of ten respondents consider the hospitality sector essential for the UK economy, while al most nine out of ten affirm its importance in shaping the nation's culture and communities. In response to the issues highlighted, McCain is calling upon government to take action and demonstrate policy support for hospitality and entrepreneurship across three areas, aimed to ensure long-term impact. These include: Recognising independent food businesses in the Assessment for Future Skills and strengthening support for entrepreneurs from less-advantaged backgrounds; Making levy-funded training more flexible for the food, drink, and hospitality sectors, supporting initiatives like the Hospitality Skills Passport; and including hospitality upskilling as part of the Comprehensive Strategy for post-16 education McCain launched the Streets Ahead programme in 2021, powered by KERB+, to support aspiring food entrepreneurs, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds including refugees, prison leavers, young people facing unemployment, and those experiencing homelessness to succeed in the food industry. Since its launch, the programme has supported over 185 participants from more than 40 charities, investing over £240,000 to date. Richard Jones, vice president commercial, McCain Foods GB said: 'At McCain, we know there's incredible untapped potential among aspiring food entrepreneurs who are facing barriers like limited funding and lack of mentorship. 'The Streets Ahead programme is our way of helping to address this, giving people the tools, investment, and support they need to turn their passion into a successful business, and, in turn, help strengthen the entire sector.' Hind Danoun, Streets Ahead participant and owner of Utopia said: "The support I received through the Streets Ahead programme helped me turn my passion into a thriving business. 'When I first joined, I didn't know much about how to run a street food venture. However, with the in-depth training and the £10,000 investment I received, Utopia is now a vibrant place where I share my culture and bring people together through food.' Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
McCain Foods Revolutionises Food Delivery Standards with the Launch of SureCrisp Max™
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2025 - McCain Foods, a world leader in prepared potatoes, today unveiled the McCain SureCrisp Max™ at FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 in Singapore. This product addresses the evolving needs of the foodservice industry, delivering unmatched crispiness, extended hold time and consistent quality – reinforcing McCain's leadership position as a trusted partner for modern dining solutions. The original McCain SureCrisp range is known for its exceptional taste, texture, and crispness that lasts up to 30 minutes - ideal for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. Building on this success, McCain SureCrisp Max™ features a unique battered coating that enhances flavour, appearance, and crispiness, delivering consistent quality across all dining formats. A New Benchmark in Fries Innovation McCain SureCrisp Max™ features proprietary coating technology that delivers maximum crispiness for up to 30 minutes, helping operators serve consistently excellent quality across dine-in and delivery. 'In today's competitive foodservice landscape, operators require more than our quality products – they need a trusted partner who can offer consistency, innovation, and value,' said Pablo Melo, Managing Director, Japan, Korea, South East Asia & Taiwan, McCain Foods. 'McCain is dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions that help our partners thrive.' As a key exhibitor at FHA-Food & Beverage 2025, McCain Foods showcased its signature products, reflecting the quality trusted by foodservice operators, QSRs, and retailers worldwide. 'FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 is essential for McCain Foods to reaffirm our strong leadership in the food service and QSR sector and show how we continue to evolve alongside our partners,' said Pierre Danet, Regional President, Asia Pacific and South Africa (APACSA), McCain Foods. 'We are grounded in delivering high-quality, performance-driven products and trusted partnerships – values that define who we are and how we help our customers succeed."Hashtag: #McCainSureCrispMax #McCainFoods #FHA2025 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About McCain Foods McCain Foods Limited is a family-owned business founded in 1957 in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada. Today, the company is the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products and a global leader in prepared appetizers and snacks. Its products can be found in restaurants and retail stores in more than 160 countries around the world. The company has major production, retail and corporate operations around the world, employs approximately 22,000 people, operates 49 production facilities on six continents, partners with 3,900 farmers and generates annual sales in excess of $16 billion CAD.
CBC
30-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
What's at stake as Canada's industrial carbon pricing rules face political headwinds
Social Sharing Cabot Canada has been making carbon black, a powdery chemical used mainly in reinforcing rubber, in Sarnia, Ont., for 72 years. It takes a lot of energy — in the form of burning natural gas — and that's meant the company has had to pay for its carbon emissions, under Canada's industrial carbon pricing rules. This week, they won a $5.6 million grant from the federal government to install new equipment that would slash their carbon footprint. The money comes from a fund created from the proceeds of the industrial carbon pricing system, which put a price on the carbon emissions of major industries. (In Ontario, the program started as a federally-run operation, then switched in 2022 to Ontario's own provincially-run pricing system that works in a similar way.) "We're very happy to see that they have these funding programs available," said Dean Pearson, president and facility general manager of Cabot Canada, which will use the money on new technology to reuse the heat energy produced in its manufacturing process. The recycled energy will be used to heat its buildings and facilities, lowering the plant's use of gas. Along with Cabot, the federal government announced funding for a range of projects this week from $662,000 for retrofitting a dryer at McCain Foods in Carberry, Man., to $25 million for Redpath Sugar in Toronto to reduce energy use in its sugar refining plant. It's a snapshot of what could be at risk if industrial carbon pricing was cancelled, something Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives have promised to do at the federal level on the campaign trail. The announcement last week drew concerns from climate policy experts who are worried how the uncertainty will impact companies across Canada. Companies stand to make money from carbon pricing The industrial carbon price has been a key part of the Liberal government's plan to tackle climate change, giving economic incentives to reduce emissions — by both carrot and stick. Large-scale emitters have thresholds for how carbon-intensive their operations can be. Those that exceed it have to pay. Those that produce less carbon pollution than allowed can profit by having surplus credits to sell. Currently, the federal government directly administers the pricing system in Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and Yukon. All other provinces run their own programs, but they need to comply with federal standards on the price put on companies and how the money is used. An independent analysis last year found it the most effective part of the government's policies to lower emissions in Canada, and industrial voices were publicly supporting it — until recently. The Conservatives say they would remove the federal requirement, leaving it to provinces to run their own pricing systems if they choose, and expand federal tax credits aimed at clean technology and manufacturing. Mark Carney, the Liberal leader, has said he would maintain and improve the industrial carbon pricing system, but has not detailed any proposed changes to it. Since Poilievre's announcement, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced Thursday that he will pause his province's industrial carbon pricing system April 1. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, meanwhile, welcomed Poilievre's announcement to remove the federal government's role in carbon pricing. But many expect Alberta to maintain its own system, which has been in place since 2007. "There's money on the table that has been invested that is at risk," said Dave Sawyer, principal economist at the Canadian Climate Institute. "We're hearing from investors that they are really worried they're going to have to write off some significant assets or get a significantly lower return on their investment that they've made should these systems go away." Sawyer was referring to the "carrot" part of the industrial carbon pricing system, where companies can generate carbon credits in return for cutting their emissions. Those credits can then be sold, at a profit, to other more polluting companies who are required to offset some of their emissions. What all this uncertainty means for investment The Canadian Climate Institute now estimates that 70 emissions-reducing projects across Canada, with a value of over $57 billion, are tied to the carbon price. "You can see that those that have been moving early, using new tech, trying new tech, implementing new technologies, they've become winners in these carbon markets," said Michael Berends, CEO of ClearBlue Markets, a firm that advises companies on how to navigate carbon pricing systems in Canada. Berends says that Ontario's pricing system is attractive for multinational companies to bring their investments to the province, because they know they can access the money they pay into the system in future years. Without that certainty, he says those companies would rather invest elsewhere. "We've had a client say, we decide to invest in our Quebec plant rather than Ontario plant because the carbon pricing was more stable and more certain," Berends said, referring to Quebec's carbon credit market which has been in place since 2013 and is considered to have stable prices. The federal government raised $313 million from pricing industries in Ontario from 2019 to 2021, before Ontario's own provincially-run system kicked in — the "stick" to get companies to lower their emissions. Cabot and many other companies are now finding their way to the "carrot" part of that system, where they can get some of the money for green upgrades to their facilities. Vincent Caron, vice-president of Ontario government relations and member advocacy at lobby group Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, called Ontario's carbon pricing system "the gold standard," because companies can get up to 100 per cent of what they pay into the system. "I think companies broadly are really confident that the program gives them enough certainty. The funds don't expire, they can pull several years together," he said. And Cabot is not done using the grants on offer. Pearson says the company has been paying into Ontario's pricing system, and is applying to get that funding back for projects to improve their manufacturing processes and switch their vehicles from gas to electric. "Being able to recycle those proceeds and bring them back into our business is a really good incentive for companies to make those improvements faster than they normally would," Pearson said.
