Lamb Weston / Meijer partners with Belaya Dacha to serve french fry market in Russia

The partnership between US-based ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston and Netherlands-based Meijer Frozen Food has signed an agreement with Belaya Dacha to establish a new joint venture to serve Russia’s french fry market.

The deal with Russian firm Belaya Dacha is subject to Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) approval.

This collaboration will enable the Lamb Weston / Meijer partnership and Belaya Dacha to combine their respective knowledge and skills. The former will share its experience in potato growing and french fry production, while Belaya Dacha will contribute its experience in the quick service market.

Lamb Weston president Greg Schlafer said: “Lamb Weston leverages its well-established dual sourcing model to supply customers in North America and Europe.

“This new partnership between Lamb Weston / Meijer and Belaya Dacha will allow our partners at Lamb Weston / Meijer to serve our customers expanding in the growing Russian market.”

The partnership will invest in a new french fry manufacturing facility in Lipetsk, which is a special economic zone located 280 miles south of Moscow.

Construction of the facility is expected to begin later this year and production is slated to begin in early 2018.

Lamb Weston recently announced its plan to boost operations in Richland, Washington, US, with the addition of a new french fry line to meet global demand.

Lamb Weston operates, directly and along with its partners, 22 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China.