McCain and Cargill Deepen Partnership in India’s Frozen Food Sector

Key Highlights

Frozen potato foods in India set to grow at 10.3% CAGR (2025–2033)
Health and wellness foods projected to grow at 18.5% CAGR through 2031
McCain shifts to 100% RSPO Segregated palm oil with Cargill’s support
Partnership between both firms spans almost 20 years

Global food companies McCain Foods and Cargill are tightening their long partnership in India as frozen potato products gain rapid traction. Both groups say they want to offer tasty and responsibly made food while keeping up with changing tastes in the country.

Frozen fries growing fast in India

India’s frozen potato food segment is expected to grow at more than 10% a year from 2025 to 2033. Higher incomes, quick home deliveries and the spread of quick-service restaurants are adding to this rise. At the same time, customers want clearer labels, safer food and better nutrition.

McCain and Cargill are working together in this space by developing new product ideas that aim to balance taste, ease of use and better nutrition.

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A partnership built over two decades

McCain has been one of India’s key frozen potato companies for many years. Its link with Cargill began with technical support and has since grown into a wide partnership.

The two companies now work closely on supply planning, market needs and changing trends. A major step came when McCain moved its full India range to 100% RSPO Segregated palm oil, making it the first in India’s frozen foods space to do so. Cargill supported the entire shift by supplying the oil and helping with checks at each stage.

Both companies say this move helped push the industry toward cleaner sourcing and stronger checks on how ingredients are made.

Products shaped around customer needs

India’s health and wellness food segment is also projected to grow at about 18.5% a year through 2031 and both companies see demand for fries and ready-to-eat items that feel lighter and better balanced.

They are now working on soft-oil blends that can offer fries with a more dependable taste and texture. The aim is to give customers a better product without losing the familiar flavour they enjoy at home and in restaurants.

Leaders speak on shared goals

McCain Foods India Managing Director Mainak Dhar said the partnership helps support farmers, improve soil health and reduce the strain on the environment. He said the two companies work closely with growers and suppliers to build trust and share knowledge.

Cargill’s Dheeraj Talreja said the long relationship has helped both sides build dependable products for the market while focusing on responsible sourcing and customer needs.

Looking ahead

Both groups say they want to keep strengthening the frozen food space in India by improving supply chains and offering safer and better-balanced food options. Their work combines careful sourcing, consistent product work and support for farmers.

With demand for frozen fries on the rise, the partnership aims to push dependable sourcing and steady product quality in the years ahead.