The Victorian government has granted approval to potato produce manufacturer, Farm Frites, to build its first Australian production facility in Dooen, in Victoria’s Wimmera district. Farm Frites announced its plans in March this year.
Farm Frites currently imports products from its European factories in The Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland. It supplies frozen chips, fries, and other potato-based products to takeaways, pubs, clubs, and fast-food restaurants including KFC and Hungry Jacks across Australia.
Bringing production onshore will create 250 local jobs as well as use local produce.
Once operational in 2027, the manufacturing plant will have capacity to process up to 250,000 tonnes of Australian-grown potatoes every year.
The 24-hour production facility, located next to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub, will support Australian farmers, create jobs for local workers, and offer training and career opportunities for students in a region.
Farm Frites Australia general manager, Kieran Prestidge, said, “Dooen is perfectly located between the best growing regions in Australia and has excellent road and rail links, which will help us put more Australian produce on plates and tables all around the country.”
Economic growth and jobs minister, Danny Pearson, said it was a “huge investment” that would driving revenue for the Wimmera and right across the state.
“We’re proudly backing companies to invest in advanced manufacturing because we know it is key to unlocking economic growth and creating more opportunities for all Victorians,” Pearson said.
Farm Frites application was granted under the state’s Development Facilitation Program, which expedites planning decisions for projects that will “inject” investment into the Victorian economy.
Victoria has the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturing sector, generating more than $44 billion in sales and service income and employing more than 76,000 people.
In 2024, the state attracted $170 million in foreign direct investment for the food and beverage sector.
