Argentina: McCain announces its certification as a B Corporation
For its commitment to sustainable economic, environmental and social practices
Marking its 30th anniversary in Argentina, the leading company in the French-fried potato and frozen food market has become a B Corporation for its commitment to sustainable economic, environmental, and social practices.
McCain, the global and local leader in the frozen French fry market in Argentina, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the country this year, has obtained B Corp certification from B Lab. This is a milestone for the company, reflecting its ongoing work on its four pillars of sustainability: smart and sustainable agriculture; resource-efficient operations; production of good food; and support for the development of prosperous communities.
The timing of McCain’s announcement coincides with the global celebration of B Corporation Month. All certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards, measure their social and environmental impact, and make personal, institutional, and legal commitments to make decisions that consider the long-term effects of their actions on the community and the environment.
“The entire B Corp certification process was transformative and motivating. It was based on the fact that the project emerged from our own employees across different areas, who were deeply committed to achieving results and establishing metrics, improvement processes, and indicators that allow us today to place economic, environmental, and social sustainability at the heart of our business model. I am proud to have led this cross-cutting and horizontal process, which transforms us into a better organization and enhances our positive impact on the environment we serve,” said Diego Peña, General Manager for the Southern Cone at McCain.
During his presentation, Peña highlighted the key points of the company’s comprehensive business in Argentina, which includes primary potato production on its own and leased fields, teamwork with local producers, added value and innovation at its industrial plant in Balcarce, supplying the local market (both to the retail channel and to companies and gastronomic ventures), and exporting nearly 60% of its production abroad, thereby generating foreign currency for the country.
“We are delighted to welcome McCain to the B Community. We are proud that its Argentine business unit has been the first in the world to make this decision and publicly and legally commit to the triple impact path,” said Marina Arias, Executive Director of Sistema B Argentina. “When a leading company like McCain certifies as a B Corp, it is a major milestone, as it raises the bar for the industry, setting a new standard. We are excited by the significant impact this certification will have on the market,” she added.
McCain focuses on sustainability at every stage of the process: agriculture, sourcing, production, packaging, cold storage, transportation, sales, and consumption. According to its latest 2024 Global Sustainability Report, among its most notable achievements in Argentina are reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 35% compared to its 2017 baseline and operating with 100% renewable electricity at its Balcarce production plant. Additionally, it has its own biogas production, and 100% of its effluents are treated in its own biodigesters.
“At McCain, we believe that good business must be based on social development and environmental stewardship at every stage of its value chain. Our goal is to lead a transition toward more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, to continue producing the most delicious food while being respectful of people and the planet we inhabit,” said Micaela Uberti, Corporate Sustainability Manager for Latin America. “With this certification, we join a global community of companies that meet rigorous standards. This achievement, after years of work, was possible thanks to the commitment of the entire McCain team,” she concluded.
It’s worth noting that the McCain plant in Balcarce, Buenos Aires province, produces 220,000 tons of frozen potato chips per year. The company sources 70% of its supplies from local producers and 30% from its own production, across more than 2,000 leased hectares. McCain is fully committed to sustainable agriculture, with a goal of implementing regenerative agriculture practices on 100% of its potato crops by 2030.
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