Simplot Expands to Europe While Idaho Workers Face Layoffs
Idaho's potato giant prioritizes international growth as local employees lose jobs.
Boise-based J.R. Simplot Co. plans to acquire Belgium's Clarebout Frozen Potato Products in a deal estimated at $2.9 billion, according to BoiseDev Editor Don Day's July 14, 2025, report. The move will expand Simplot's reach into European markets while the company simultaneously cuts jobs across Idaho operations.
The acquisition creates what industry observers call a frozen potato empire. Clarebout ranks as the world's third-largest producer of frozen potato products, behind McCain Foods and Lamb Weston, based in Eagle. Combined with Simplot's existing operations, the companies will control 23 production facilities worldwide.
"This is an exciting time for Simplot," said Graham Dugdale, Simplot's Global Food President, as reported by Day. "We are thrilled about the synergy that Clarebout brings to our business, which not only expands our ability to serve the European market but brings together a pair of family-owned companies who align closely in core values and our commitment to customers, employees, and the communities where we operate."
Timing Raises Questions
The acquisition announcement comes as Simplot has laid off employees in waves across Idaho and other locations. As Local Yocal Idaho reported in Episode 76 from June 2025, the company cut jobs across Idaho operations as part of what workers described as a restructuring effort.
Workers on social media platforms suggest the layoffs target groups of 49 employees monthly to avoid federal reporting requirements. Some former employees speculate the cuts aim to free cash flow for international acquisitions.
Jan Clarebout, CEO of Clarebout Potatoes, emphasized shared values in the deal.
"Simplot, like Clarebout, started from scratch and managed to grow while remaining faithful to principles as essential as respect for people and the Earth," he told reporters, according to Day's BoiseDev coverage from July 14.
A Pattern of Growth
This marks Simplot's latest major acquisition. In 2019, the company's Grower Solutions division purchased Pinnacle Agriculture Holdings, jumping from seventh to fourth place among agricultural retailers.
The European expansion raises questions about whether Idaho's homegrown potato empire values international growth over maintaining its local workforce and roots.
Sources
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