Secretary of Ag visits Plover business

By Patrick Lynn

A Plover business last week hosted a state official to discuss the frozen food trade and company efforts towards sustainability.

McCain Foods USA hosted the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Randy Romanski on Feb. 4.

Romanski toured McCain’s plant operations and met with senior company leadership to discuss issues related to trade and McCain’s commitment to sustainability, according to a news release from the company.

According to Alex Siciliano, a public relations representative for the company, McCain was unable to invite the press to cover the event due to COVID-19 concerns.

“Wisconsin is one of the top states in potato production with more than 3.1 billion pounds of potatoes produced in 2020,” Romanski said, adding he appreciated the tour and learning more about McCain’s operations. “From farmers to processors and haulers to retail, each person who participates in this industry depends on each other. DATCP is proud to play a role in ensuring Wisconsin’s safe, nutritious, and delicious foods are available across the world.”

Ed White, manager for the plant located at 10973 State Hwy. 54, said he and the 478 employees at the Plover location were proud to showcase their work.

“In addition to touring the plant’s operations, where local potatoes are made into delicious French fries, we discussed McCain’s ongoing commitment to sustainability,” White said in the press release. “We have set our company’s purpose towards producing planet-friendly food to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. The local growers, the Plover community, and team members at our potato processing plants all play a critical role in helping McCain reach its sustainability goals and we were proud to highlight these efforts today.”

McCain Foods USA is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products for the foodservice markets, retail grocery chains, and private label brands in restaurants and supermarket freezers across the country. McCain Foods USA Inc., headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., and employs 4,000 people in production facilities in Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Washington, and Wisconsin.

For more information, visit https://www.mccainusafoodservice.com.