McCain switches to sunflower-rapeseed oil blend as invasion of Ukraine hits supply chains

Frozen potato giant McCain Foods GB & Ireland will use a blend of rapeseed oil and sunflower oil from 1 July 2022, in response to global shortages of sunflower oil.

Howard Snape, regional president of McCain Foods GB & Ireland, said: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been deeply concerning to all of us at McCain Foods.

“In direct response, McCain Foods has taken several actions globally including ending the construction of our production facility in Russia and supporting relief efforts underway, through the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

“As a result of the war, many key commodities have been impacted, including sunflower oil, wheat, fertilisers, and energy. All of which have created significant challenges across our supply chain.

“From 1 July, we can confirm that we will be transitioning to a rapeseed-sunflower oil blend, which will allow us to continue operating as normal, maintaining competitive prices for consumers, and the high-quality our products are known for.

“Rapeseed oil, like sunflower oil, is naturally low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat and a widely used alternative around the world.

“With this transition our focus remains our consumers and customers and the transition will be made in line with FSA guidance.

"With any change to our products, our priority is to ensure they remain at the same high level of quality and taste consumers expect, and we believe the transition we have outlined today will achieve that.”