Wallace McCain
Canada- Wallis McCain: Co-Founder of McCain Foods Limited
- Early Life and Education
- Founding McCain Foods
- Global Expansion
- Company Success
- Recognition and Philanthropy
- Personal Life and Wealth
Wallis McCain: Co-Founder of McCain Foods Limited
Wallis McCain is the co-founder of McCain Foods Limited, the world's largest producer of frozen French fries and other various frozen food products. The company was established in 1956 by Wallis and his brother Harrison McCain.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1930 in the small town of Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada, Wallis McCain earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Allison University in 1951. He currently resides in Toronto, Ontario.
Founding McCain Foods
On February 23, 1957, the company's first plant was officially opened in Florenceville. The company's products quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom, and in 1968, Wallis McCain established McCain International Ltd. in Australia.
Global Expansion
McCain Foods Limited's products rapidly expanded into major markets around the world. By the early 1970s, the company had become a leading force in the American food market. In 1980, Wallis McCain acquired Sunny Orange Ltd. and expanded into the production of natural juices.
Company Success
Over time, McCain Foods Limited has grown significantly, with operations in 12 countries and over 20,000 employees. The company's 55 plants process over 453,592 kg of potatoes each hour and sell 30 percent of the world's frozen French fries in more than 110 countries.
Recognition and Philanthropy
McCain has received honorary degrees from Mount Allison University, Queen's University, and the University of New Brunswick. In 2007, he made a record donation of $873,000 to his alma mater.
Personal Life and Wealth
Wallis McCain is married to Margaret McCain, the first female Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick. According to Forbes magazine, McCain Foods Limited is the second-largest privately owned company in Canada, and Wallis McCain's net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion. He is ranked as one of Canada's leading businessmen and is listed 335th on the global rich list.
