McCain Foods of Canada, renowned for its French fries, has successfully acquired Strong Roots, an Irish enterprise specialising in plant-based frozen foods.
This acquisition, the financial details of which remain confidential, follows the 2021 announcement where McCain had initially purchased a minority share in the company.
Established in Dublin in 2015 by Chief Executive Samuel Dennigan, Strong Roots offers an assortment of products such as Cauliflower Hash Browns, Mixed Root Vegetable Fries, and Sweet Potato Fries.
The company’s offerings are available across several markets, including Ireland, the UK, and the USA.
Back in 2021, McCain made a $55 million investment in Strong Roots, securing a minority stake previously held by Goode Partners, an American private equity firm that had invested in Strong Roots during its Series A funding round in 2019.
With the complete acquisition now confirmed, McCain has announced that Strong Roots will continue to function as an independent unit within the company.
A brand advisory council is set to be established, featuring Dennigan, the founder of Strong Roots, alongside members from both the Strong Roots and McCain teams, in addition to external advisors. This council will guide the brand and the company towards further expansion.
McCain’s objective is to broaden the range of Strong Roots products and introduce the brand to additional markets.
Jillian Moffatt, McCain’s Regional President for Great Britain and Ireland, commented, “This investment strengthens McCain’s dedication to eco-friendly food solutions, allowing us to augment our selection of healthier choices that are cultivated, processed, and transported in an eco-conscious way.”
Dennigan remarked, “Since forming a partnership with McCain, we’ve experienced remarkable growth, and this new development will empower Strong Roots to continue prioritising sustainability while driving innovation to deliver delightful, vegetable-centric products to a broader global audience.”
