The global potato industry is undergoing consolidation through mergers, acquisitions, and regional expansion, reshaping control over breeding, processing, and exports.
Global mergers and integration
In Europe, Dutch company HZPC acquired Ireland's IPM Potato Group, a major exporter of certified seed, strengthening its presence in the UK and Mediterranean markets and expanding its genetic network across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Meanwhile, U.S.-based Simplot completed its acquisition of Belgium's Clarebout Potatoes, one of Europe's largest frozen processors. The merger combines Simplot's production scale with Clarebout's processing technology, consolidating control of the industrial potato chain.
These developments illustrate the move toward vertical integration, with major players seeking to control genetics, production, and trade within single networks.
Processing expansion in Argentina
In this context, Lamb Weston Holdings opened a 40,000 m² processing plant in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires province, in 2025. The company joins McCain, which has operated in the region for more than two decades. The facility processes about 90,700 tons of potatoes annually, employing 250 people directly and 3,000 indirectly, and serves domestic and regional markets. Around 80% of output is exported to Brazil via the port of Mar del Plata, which is emerging as a logistics hub for Argentine agroindustrial exports.
The project marks the establishment of industrial capacity in the Southern Cone aimed at supplying Latin America from within the region. Argentina is evolving from importing technology to exporting processed products and agronomic expertise.
Seed genetics and regional trade
Argentina's certified seed sector is also expanding. HZPC and STET collaborate with local producers to export seed potatoes to Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil, with future plans for Central America. Agreements between France's Germicopa and Argentina's Agroplant aim to develop genetics suited to regional conditions, combining European breeding with local propagation.
For the first time, Argentina is exporting industrial potatoes, seed genetics, and technical knowledge, areas previously dominated by imports. This positions the country as a regional intermediary between European breeding programs and Latin American production zones.
Industry outlook
Multinationals view Argentina as a strategic but challenging environment. The country offers favourable conditions such as fertile soils, temperate climate, counter-seasonal timing, and strong port infrastructure, yet remains affected by economic volatility and trade restrictions.
For companies like HZPC, STET, Lamb Weston, and Simplot, Argentina represents a regional hub for potato processing and genetics. Maintaining policy stability and fostering technology partnerships will be key to sustaining this role.
Source: PotatoPro / Argenpapa
