#Sustainability #Canada #Toronto #McCain Foods #Regenerative Agriculture

McCain Foods Unveils 2025 Sustainability Report

On February 3, 2026, McCain Foods, a well-known name in the frozen food industry, revealed its 2025 Global Sustainability Report, which showcases the company's strides towards meeting its sustainability targets and introduces new commitments towards 2030. This year's report is particularly significant as it details the completion of a key initiative announced in 2021 and sets the stage for more ambitious goals ahead.

One of the highlights from the report is McCain's progress in implementing regenerative agriculture practices across all potato-growing acres. McCain aims to have all its potato farms transitioning to regenerative principles by the year 2030. Notably, the company celebrated a milestone with the establishment of its third "Farm of the Future" in North Yorkshire, UK, which it developed in partnership with the University of Leeds. This 202-hectare site serves as a research and innovation facility, focusing on regenerative agriculture techniques.

The Farm of the Future UK is committed to pioneering various sustainable practices such as controlled traffic farming, maintaining year-round soil cover, and fostering biodiversity. A groundbreaking aspect of this site is the introduction of a circular nutrient system, developed in cooperation with the University of Leeds' National Pig Centre. This innovative approach utilizes pig manure to enhance soil quality, minimize waste, and demonstrate how mixed farming can bolster soil health, promote biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Max Koeune, President and CEO of McCain Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the company's efforts, stating, “Farm of the Future UK marks an important step in how we are scaling regenerative agriculture across our global Farms of the Future effort. Each site helps us test real solutions with farmers, understanding what works, and sharing that knowledge across our grower network. This strengthens the resilience of our farms, supports our partners, and contributes to building a sustainable food system for the long term.”

McCain's dedication to climate resilience, efficient resource management, and positive community impact is evident in the report. With the completion of specific targets set for 2025, McCain now looks towards 2030, bolstered by strengthened commitments that align with the latest climate science through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company will also enhance its focus on natural ecosystems and human rights.

Charlie Angelakos, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability, highlighted the company's achievements: “We are pleased with our progress, with nearly 70% of our global acreage onboarded to McCain's Regenerative Agriculture Framework, reducing our absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 28% since 2017. Since 2018, we have also supported over 18,000 vulnerable farmers and families through community development programs.” As the company moves forward, Angelakos acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, but the lessons learned and collaboration across the value chain will be vital for ensuring sustainable progress.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Sustainability Report:

1. Smart and Sustainable Farming:
- 44% of global acreage engaged or higher, with 69% onboarded to the Regenerative Agriculture Framework.
- 30 innovation farms established globally focusing on regenerative agriculture.
- Announcement of the third Farm of the Future in Great Britain.

2. Resource-Efficient Operations:
- 28% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions since 2017.
- 60% of total electrical energy consumption sourced from renewable sources.
- 98% of packaging designed to be recyclable.

3. Good Food Practices:
- 98% of McCain-owned facilities and 99% of tier 1 ingredient supplier facilities certified by GFSI.
- 6% reduction in sodium levels of McCain branded appetizer products since 2018.
- 97% compliance with McCain's Global Nutrition Policy across its product portfolio.

4. Thriving Communities:
- 34.4 million meals donated to food banks and NGOs in 2025, totaling over 226.7 million meals since 2017.
- 28,484 hours of employee volunteering completed since 2018.
- 4,488 vulnerable farmers and families supported in 2025, totaling 18,459 since 2018.

In summary, McCain Foods' 2025 Global Sustainability Report demonstrates not only the company's progress and achievements but also its dedication to a sustainable future through regenerative agriculture and community support.

For more detailed information, you can read the full report on McCain Foods' website.

About McCain Foods:
Founded in 1957 in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada, McCain Foods is a family-owned business that has become one of the world's largest frozen potato products manufacturers and a key player in prepared appetizers and snacks. With major operations worldwide, the company employs approximately 22,000 people, operates 49 production facilities across six continents, partners with 4,400 farmers, and generates over $16 billion CAD in annual sales.