McCain Foods acquires plant-based frozen food brand

McCain Foods has acquired Strong Roots, a plant-based frozen food manufacturer based in Ireland.

The move builds on a deal announced in 2021 that saw McCain buy a minority stake in the business. Strong Roots was founded in Dublin in 2015 and makes a range of plant-based meals, sides and snacks, including Cauliflower Hash Browns, Mixed Root Vegetable Fries, and Sweet Potato Fries.

McCain revealed that it plans to expand the Strong Roots brand into more regions and offer more vegetable-focused products to meet demand from the rising number of consumers looking for healthier and more natural food.

Jillian Moffatt, Regional President for McCain GB & Ireland, said, “This investment bolsters McCain’s commitment to planet-friendly food, enabling us to extend our portfolio of healthier options that are grown, processed and shipped in a sustainable manner. With a vision and values aligned to McCain’s, we are excited to continue our journey to scale the Strong Roots brand globally.”

Samuel Dennigan, Strong Roots founder and CEO, added: “We have witnessed tremendous growth since partnering with McCain, and this move will enable Strong Roots to maintain its focus on sustainability while propelling innovation to bring delicious, vegetable forward products to more consumers around the world.”

Strong Roots will operate as a distinct business under the leadership of CEO Charlotte Turton. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.