Victoria has secured a major international investment, with global food manufacturer Farm Frites selecting the state for its Asia-Pacific headquarters and first Australian production site.
Dutch food giant Farm Frites will invest $ 425 300 million to establish a large-scale potato processing facility and regional headquarters in Dooen, near Horsham in Victoria’s Grampians Region. This decision positions Victoria as a key player in the global food supply chain and underscores its growing appeal as an investment destination for advanced manufacturing and agrifood production.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1971, Farm Frites is one of the world’s top five producers of French fries, with more than 1,500 staff across six production sites 40 sales offices servicing clients in over 100 countries.
The green field investment will enable Farm Frites to process up to 25 30 0,000 tonnes of Australian-grown potatoes annually, replacing a significant volume of imports from Europe and enhancing supply chain resilience across the Asia-Pacific. The facility will support up to 2 1 50 new full-time jobs and generate significant regional economic activity by creating demand for local growers, transport operators, exporters, and technology providers.
Why Victoria?
Victoria’s strategic location within Australia’s key potato-growing regions and its robust road, rail and port infrastructure were pivotal in Farm Frites decision.
Situated adjacent to the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal, the site offers seamless domestic and export freight connections—reducing logistics costs and increasing speed to market across Asia-Pacific.
“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.”
Kieran Prestidge, Farm Frites Australia, General Manager
Proximity to Asia, a strong agrifood ecosystem, and a supportive investment environment make Victoria an ideal hub for international companies looking to expand in the region. The project also highlights the advantages of locating in regional Victoria, where industrial land, skilled labour, and supply chain networks align to support large-scale operations.
Investor support and government facilitation
Farm Frites credited the Victorian Government’s proactive and coordinated investment facilitation as a critical factor in the project’s success. Invest Victoria and Regional Development Victoria worked in close partnership to provide comprehensive, whole-of-government support — including site identification, fast tracked approvals through the Development Facilitation Program, and engagement across councils, agencies, utilities, industry, and local landowners.
This investment reflects the Victorian Government’s commitment to attracting high-value manufacturing and food processing investment, supporting sector innovation, and enabling regional development. It also builds on Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s largest exporter of food and fibre, and a trusted supplier to global markets.
“Victoria’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strategic access to Asia made it the clear choice for our APAC operations,“The support we received from Invest Victoria and Regional Development Victoria was exceptional and instrumental in getting this project off the ground.”
Kieran Prestidge, General Manager, Farm Frites Australia
Operations are expected to commence in 2027.
For investors seeking high-growth opportunities in agrifood manufacturing, this announcement reinforces why Victoria remains a premier destination for global investment.
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