The nation's largest frozen potato processor just got a little bigger. ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Kennewick, Wash., said it entered a 50-50 joint venture with Ochoa Foods, Boise, Idaho, to operate Ochoa's 140,000-sq.-ft. potato plant in Warden, Wash. Terms were not disclosed. The Warden facility will be called Lamb Weston / BSW. Officials said the Warden plant processes approximately 300,000 tons of potatoes each year for quick-serve restaurant customers and other foodservice accounts.
"This is an exciting new opportunity for Lamb Weston and a true 'win-win' for both Ochoa Foods and Lamb Weston," said Jeff DeLapp, ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston president. "Combining Ochoa's entrepreneurial spirit and experience with Lamb Weston's operating reach should drive improved earnings for both companies."