Cargill and McCain Deepen Partnership to Drive Sustainable Innovation in India’s Frozen Food Market
Chennai: Global food leaders McCain Foods and Cargill have announced the strengthening of their decades-long partnership to advance innovation and sustainability in India’s fast-growing frozen food category. The collaboration aims to deliver responsibly produced, great-tasting options to Indian consumers while setting new benchmarks in sustainable sourcing and product development.
Rising Demand in Frozen Potato Foods
India’s frozen potato food industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2025 and 2033, driven by rising disposable incomes, digital access, and the rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Changing consumer preferences toward health, nutrition, transparency, and sustainability are also reshaping the category. The Cargill–McCain partnership is positioned at the forefront of this transformation, developing next-generation solutions that balance taste, convenience, and better-for-you attributes.
A Longstanding Strategic Collaboration
McCain, a dominant player in India’s frozen potato segment, has partnered with Cargill for nearly two decades. What began as technical support has evolved into a strategic collaboration that ensures responsiveness to market dynamics and evolving consumer trends.
A milestone in this partnership was McCain’s transition to 100% RSPO Segregated palm oil across its India portfolio — the first in the frozen foods industry in India. Cargill, as McCain’s trusted supplier of high-performance edible oils, played a pivotal role in enabling this shift, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainable sourcing.
Innovation for Health and Sustainability
With India’s health and wellness food market projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% through 2031, McCain and Cargill are focusing on ready-to-eat, better-for-you alternatives. The companies are jointly developing next-generation soft oil blend solutions to enhance product profiles and deliver consistent quality in French fries and other frozen foods.
Mainak Dhar, Managing Director, McCain Foods India, said:
“Our partnership reflects a shared vision of delivering planet-friendly food while supporting farmers in adopting regenerative practices. Together, we are creating lasting change that strengthens communities, ecosystems, and supply chains.”
Dheeraj Talreja, Vice President and Managing Director, Food South Asia, Cargill, added:
“Our collaboration with McCain demonstrates the power of innovation and partnership. We are confident this relationship will continue to shape the future of India’s food industry.”
Setting Industry Benchmarks
By combining sustainable sourcing with consumer-centric innovation, Cargill and McCain are laying the foundation for a more resilient frozen food ecosystem in India. Their partnership underscores a commitment to enhancing quality, nutrition, and sustainability while delighting consumers and supporting industry growth.
