Cavendish buys Maple Leaf Foods’ potato business

Dieppe, N.B. – Cavendish Farms, a member of the J.D. Irving, Ltd. group of companies, has announced that it is acquiring Maple Leaf Potatoes, the frozen potato business of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

The deal includes a 142,000-sq.-ft. processing plant in Lethbridge, Alta.

“Cavendish Farms is focused on growth opportunities that are a good fit for our existing business,” says Robert Irving, president of Cavendish Farms and co-chief CEO of J.D. Irving, Ltd. “This announcement will result in a more competitive Cavendish with stronger capabilities to service our customers from coast to coast in North America. It enhances our national distribution network in the foodservice and retail sectors in

One of Cavendish Farms’ state-of-the-art potato processing plants in New Annan, P.E.I.

Canada and builds on our strong position in the United States.”

The Dieppe, N.B.-based company says it will also continue to produce and market all products offered by Maple Leaf Potatoes in the short term, and will work to retain existing customer relationships. The plant, which has annual sales of about $75 million, produces frozen french fries, hash browns and specialty potato products.

“I personally want to assure existing customers of our commitment to uninterrupted supply, quality products and service, and to ensuring a seamless and efficient transition to Cavendish Farms,” says Irving.

Cavendish operates three other potato processing plants – two in P.E.I. and one in Jamestown, N. D. – as well as a facility in Wheatley, Ont. that produces appetizers.