Lamb Weston’s Path to World Domination
Both Boardman and Hermiston have significant Lamb Weston frozen potato processing facilities.
The Boardman plant is the largest of Lamb Weston’s potato plants in the Columbia River Basin. In 2014, a 192,000 square foot addition to the Boardman facility gave Lamb Weston five production lines in two plants in Boardman, increasing capacity by an estimated 300 million pounds annually.
Lamb Weston opened a state-of-the-art potato processing plant in Hermiston in 1972. The Hermiston facility produces around 750 million pounds of french fries annually that are shipped globally, and is one of the largest employers in the area. A $250 million expansion was completed there, with 570 employees making approximately 750 million pounds of potato products per year.
Both facilities primarily produce frozen french fries and other potato products. Collectively, Lamb Weston’s Columbia Basin plants in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington process more than 11 billion potatoes per year into french fries.
Lamb Weston completed its spinoff from Conagra on November 9, 2016, when Conagra distributed all outstanding common stock of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. to its stockholders.
Lamb Weston then began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “LW” on November 10, 2016.
The newly independent company was headquartered in Eagle, Idaho, with a major office in Kennewick, Washington
As of 2026, Lamb Weston is the world’s second-largest producer of frozen potato products, behind McCain Foods, which is the world’s largest with an estimated annual output of over 1 million tons and annual sales of nearly $9 billion. Lamb Weston’s global annual output is approximately 500,000 tons, most of which are frozen fries. Pu
Within North America specifically, Lamb Weston holds the top spot as the largest potato company, with annual sales of approximately $2 billion..
So in summary, Lamb Weston ranks #1 in North America and #2 globally, behind only Canadian-based McCain Foods.
Here is a company history from Lamb Weston, from 2011:
Lamb Weston is a leading supplier of frozen potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants and consumers throughout the world. The company has a history of rapid growth, which it plans to continue through innovative technical advancements, new product development, and superior performance.
Incorporated in 1950
Lamb Weston was originally incorporated in 1950 when founder F. Gilbert “Gib” Lamb, an established vegetable producer, purchased a defunct co-op plant in Weston, Oregon. Lamb renovated the plant to make it the most advanced pea processing facility in the United States. In 1960, Lamb invented the Lamb Water Gun Knife, the first of the company’s many advanced proprietary slicing and processing systems. Lamb’s invention was the first device to slice french fries in a high-velocity water flow, an idea that is now the industry standard worldwide.
Beginning of Potato Processing and Lamb Weston Domestic Expansion
In 1961, Lamb Weston entered the domestic potato processing market after building a new frozen potato processing plant in American Falls, Idaho. From 1962 through 1972, Lamb Weston developed several processing facilities including the 1968 construction of a new plant in Connell, Washington. In 1972, new plant construction began in Quincy, Washington and Hermiston, Oregon.
In 1988, Lamb Weston was acquired by ConAgra Foods and Golden Valley Microwave Foods, reinforcing the company’s quest to become a world leader in frozen potato products.
A rapid rate of expansion ensued in the 1990s through a series of acquisitions, but none was bigger than the purchase of Universal Frozen Foods in 1994. The purchase added two new Pacific Northwest plants and officially made Lamb Weston the premier and most advanced processor of frozen potato products in the world.
Innovations in Technology and Processing
In 1983, Lamb Weston designed the sophisticated Automatic Defect Removal System, which improved product quality and increased operator profits by eliminating blemishes from product on high-speed production lines. Also in 1983, the company ventured beyond the traditional straight-cut french fry and introduced Twister Fries, a fun-to-eat curly shape that gave operators another profitable, value-added menu item to complement their existing french-fry offering.
In 1984, Lamb Weston developed CrissCut Fries, a unique specialty cut with outstanding plate coverage and higher profit potential.
In 1989, Lamb Weston elevated french fries to an even higher level with LW Private Reserve, an upscale line of premium potato products that are cut with the skin on for a made-from-scratch taste and appeal. Known throughout the industry as the ultimate in potato quality, LW Private Reserve delivers maximum potato flavor in every bite.
In 1992, Lamb Weston brand Stealth Fries were launched – one of the most important advancements in french fry quality and performance since the first french fry was frozen. This revolutionary french fry features an exclusive potato starch coating that is virtually transparent. Stealth Fries retain heat and flavor much longer than conventional fries, making them ideal for drive-through and takeout applications – where holding times play a critical role in customer satisfaction.
International Expansion
During the 1990s, Lamb Weston experienced significant international expansion, entering both the Asian and European markets. In 1991, Lamb Weston purchased Viking International, an American company with strong Asian export ties. And in 1994, Lamb Weston purchased two plants in Holland and then formed a partnership with Meijer Frozen Foods, experts in potato research and European market distribution. This division is currently known as Lamb Weston/Meijer.
In 1998, Lamb Weston/Meijer expanded its Kruiningen, Holland factory, making it one of the largest potato processing facilities in the world. In the spring of 1999, Lamb Weston began selling product out of a new, state-of-the-art processing plant in Taber, Alberta, Canada – one of the best potato growing regions in North America. The Lamb Weston/Meijer expansion and the new Canadian plant continue to position Lamb Weston with the capabilities to meet the growing demand for products on a global scale.
As the new millennium began in 2000, expansion continued in Europe with the acquisition of three additional plants in Holland. This acquisition made Lamb Weston/Meijer the second largest producer of frozen potato products in the European Market.
Continued Product Innovation Through the Millenium
Also in the 1990s, Lamb Weston introduced additional unique potato products. In 1995, Lamb’s Supreme Mashed Potatoes were launched. Unlike dehydrated products that require mixing and the addition of other ingredients, Lamb’s Supreme Mashed Potatoes are real, made-from-scratch mashed potatoes that are lightly seasoned and frozen in portion controlled pouches to save operators time and labor without sacrificing flavor and quality.
In 1996, the company introduced Stuffed Spudz, a completely new line of potato-based finger-foods that combine real cheddar cheese or cream cheese with mozzarella cheese, finely diced potatoes, a variety of vegetables and select seasonings. Stuffed Spudz are perfect as a unique side dish, appetizer, or snack.
More innovation came in 1997 with GENERATION 7 Fries – a better tasting, better performing and more profitable french fry that delivers unbeatable taste and texture from the oven or fryer – with up to 50% faster preparation times and significantly higher yields than conventional fries.
In 2001, Lamb Weston brand Sweet Things sweet potato french fries debuted. Cut from the highest quality U.S.-grown, orange-flesh sweet potatoes, these Trim Fries and Platter Fries are processed with Lamb Weston’s patented Stealth coating to deliver a smoother interior texture and crisper bite than any other frozen sweet potato fry on the market. Two varieties of Sweet Things mashed sweet potatoes are also available as part of our Lamb’s Supreme Mashed Potato line.
Lamb’s Natural Chips became an immediate success when they hit the market in 2002. Thinly sliced, with the peel left on, Lamb’s Natural Chips deliver crunchy, full-potato flavor in every bite – with less breakage, and a lower food cost than ordinary, dry chips. And most recently, Purple and Rose flesh potato chips were added to the Lamb’s Natural Chips line-up, providing an operator with a unique way to “add color to his concept.” These new chips can be mixed together or combined with the original Lamb’s Natural Chips to add visual spark and appeal to any menu item.
In 2003, Lamb Weston was the first frozen potato producer to launch a product with Zero Grams Trans Fat with the introduction of Starz. Starting with the finest potatoes, Starz are chopped into fine shreds, processed in canola oil and formed into unique, fun, star-shaped bites.
Operators everywhere struck it rich with Lamb’s Supreme brand Yukon Gold potato products in 2004. Their golden flesh and buttery, almost nutty flavor, make them an appetizing addition to any meal. They’re great for grilling, baking, frying and mashing. And Lamb’s Supreme Yukon Gold potatoes are offered in a wide variety of choices, from wedges, twister fries, and chef cut fries, to hash browns and mashed potatoes.
Growth of Tantalizers Line
Lamb Weston quickly made headlines with the launch of their exciting Tantalizers line of appetizers. Including everything from Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings to Stuffed Jalapenos and Sweet Corn Nuggets, Tantalizers products make menus fun again. Classic tastes along with innovative recipe ideas combine to tempt your customers to “Save the Best for First” with Tantalizers appetizers.
Setting the stage for a memorable dining experience, Lamb Weston added excitement to the 2008 NRA Show with several innovative additions to the Tantalizers line. Tantalizers World Rings are gourmet breaded, flavored onion rings made with a proprietary system that infuses each ring with a unique, international taste accent. Available in four popular ethnic flavor profiles – Island Breeze, Tandoori Spice, Baja Lime and Steakhouse Peppercorn – World Rings can add a show-stopping difference to an operator’s appetizer and side dish menus.
In addition, four new Stuffed Spudz flavor combinations – Broccoli & Cheese, Chipotle Cheddar, Country Biscuit & Gravy and Fully Loaded Potato – joined the popular Southwestern Cheddar and Cheddar Cheese flavors. Stuffed with bold combinations of diced potatoes, tangy cheeses, select vegetables and just the right amount of savory seasonings, these four new flavors are suitable for a simple starter or a sensational side order.
Health & Wellness Focus
Today’s consumers are more educated on nutrition than ever before. Food product labels are now required to provide more comprehensive nutritional information. The mainstream media reports on it regularly. And, many foodservice operations are now publishing the nutritional makeup of their menu items.
In a revolutionary response to this new consumer demand, Lamb Weston unveiled the innovative, indulgent and intelligent My Fries as the perfect fit for busy, health-conscious customers. Made with the finest Yukon Gold potatoes and processed with the proprietary i3 advantage system, Lamb Weston’s most exciting product yet delivers one-of-a-kind benefits including rich, full flavor and an average of 25% less fat than conventional fries. With indulgent flavor and exceptional quality, My Fries delight even the finicky fry lover, while the reduced fat content will attract those who have shied away from enjoying one of their favorite foods.
Another key area of attention has been Trans Fats, also known as Trans Fatty Acids. Lamb Weston is dedicated to helping operators make the most of their menu by providing foods customers love with the nutritional profiles they want. That’s why we have converted our entire Lamb Weston line of products to Zero Grams Trans Fat. We offer a full spectrum of Zero Grams Trans Fat potato, appetizer and vegetable products – every one with the great taste and consistent quality you expect from Lamb Weston.
Domestic Expansion Continues Today and Into the Future
Lamb Weston continues its history of expansion today, with the recent acquisition of Watts Brothers, a group of vegetable processing, packaging and farming facilities based in Kennewick, WA, and the purchase of the Prosser, WA potato processing facility from Twin City Foods.
To support its growth into the appetizer category, Lamb Weston completed an 85,000-square-foot expansion of its potato processing plant in Pasco, WA in late 2007. Two new state-of-the-art production lines for making potato- and onion-based appetizers were added to the facility.
Most recently Lamb Weston has formed a joint venture with Ochoa Foods, a potato processing company based in Boise, ID.
In its 50+ year history, Lamb Weston has expanded its roots in the frozen french fry business and has grown to be a leader in quality potato, appetizer and vegetable products in both the US and global markets. Lamb Weston continually monitors every aspect of the manufacturing process to assure production efficiency and provide product consistency and quality.
Lamb Weston is also recognized for exceptional customer service, as well as its focus on delivering the value-added products customers need to strengthen their offerings. As restaurant chains and retailers expand their global presence, Lamb Weston is there to support their growing demand with the world’s most efficient production facilities and streamlined logistics.
But it is innovation that is truly the cornerstone of Lamb Weston’s success. The company is constantly leading the industry in delivering customer-focused innovation in the areas of value-added products, service and technologies. A reputation for innovation can be traced to Lamb Weston’s foundation and will remain a core strategic focus for years to come.
