Introduction to Lamb Weston and its New Venture
Lamb Weston, a leading U.S.-based potato processing company, has initiated an ambitious project in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The company recently completed its first large-scale production test of pre-frozen French fries in a plant that cost over 300 million dollars. In less than 40 days, initial shipments will be sent from Mar del Plata’s port to Santa Catarina, Brazil for testing. Brazil is the largest market in South America, accounting for 70% of the region’s consumption of these products.
Global Reach and Future Expansion
Romina Broda, VP Latam of Lamb Weston, shared insights during a meeting with journalists. “Our model is export-oriented. We are testing products for China, Mexico, and Central American countries… We are preparing to enter other markets in the future,” she said. “With this plant, we finally have a global industrial footprint.”
Company Background and Growth
Founded in Eagle, Idaho, a small town with fewer than 20,000 residents, Lamb Weston has grown into a global giant. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and reported revenues of 56,468 million dollars in 2024. Its current market capitalization exceeds 7,640 million dollars. Daily, Lamb Weston sells 80 million portions of French fries in more than 100 countries.
In the previous year, 67% of Lamb Weston’s revenue came from the United States. In 1994, the company established a joint venture with Dutch firm Meijer to enter the European market. In 2019, Lamb Weston formed a joint venture with Sociedad Comercial del Plata to build the Mar del Plata plant, named Lamb Weston Alimentos Modernos.
Key Actions and Impact
- Investment in Argentina: Lamb Weston invested over 300 million dollars in a new plant in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
- First Large-Scale Production Test: The company successfully completed the first large-scale production test of pre-frozen French fries.
- Initial Shipments to Brazil: Within 40 days, initial shipments will be sent from Mar del Plata’s port to Santa Catarina, Brazil for testing.
- Global Export Focus: Lamb Weston aims to export its products to various countries, including China, Mexico, and Central American nations.
- Established Global Presence: With the new plant, Lamb Weston now has a global industrial footprint, selling its products in over 100 countries daily.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Lamb Weston? Lamb Weston is a prominent U.S.-based potato processing company that reported revenues of 56,468 million dollars in 2024. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of over 7,640 million dollars.
- Why is Lamb Weston’s project in Argentina significant? The new plant in Mar del Plata, Argentina, represents Lamb Weston’s ambitious expansion into new markets and its establishment of a global industrial footprint.
- Which countries will receive Lamb Weston’s products? Lamb Weston plans to export its products to various countries, including Brazil, China, Mexico, and Central American nations.
- What is the significance of the initial shipments to Brazil? The initial shipments to Santa Catarina, Brazil, are part of a testing phase before wider distribution in the largest market of South America.
