McCain Foods has introduced a new addition to its foodservice portfolio with the launch of Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves, a product positioned to help operators diversify menus while maintaining operational efficiency.

Announced on April 9, 2026, the new offering is aimed at chefs and restaurant operators across the United States and Canada, where demand for differentiated potato side dishes continues to evolve. The product combines a wave-cut format with a light beer batter, designed to deliver a crisp exterior and soft interior, while aligning with current menu trends focused on texture and visual appeal.

According to McCain, the product is intended to provide an alternative to traditional French fries across multiple foodservice segments, including casual dining, pubs, and fast-casual formats. The company highlights the format’s potential to support menu innovation without increasing preparation complexity or labor requirements.

“Global food trends continue to prove that potatoes of all forms are ubiquitous with sides, but today’s consumers are signaling it’s time to go beyond the basics with new flavors, textures and shapes. This new demand means chefs need a reliable yet versatile option to seamlessly integrate into culinary creativity without sacrificing precious prep time or breaking budgets,” said Mark Slutzky, Director of Culinary at McCain. “As the maker of one in four fries worldwide, McCain prides itself on taking the category to new heights by offering delicious and innovative options that exceed expectations.”

From an operational standpoint, the product is positioned as a ready-to-use solution, requiring no additional preparation steps. This aligns with broader foodservice industry pressures around labor availability and cost control, where pre-prepared, consistent products can support both speed and standardization in kitchen environments.

McCain emphasizes that the Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves are designed to bridge the gap between premium presentation and fast-food familiarity. The company suggests the product can serve both as a standalone side and as a base for more complex dishes, including loaded formats and globally inspired variations.

The launch also reflects a continued focus on supporting menu versatility. The product’s shape and structure are intended to enable a range of applications, from traditional side servings to more elaborate builds such as poutine or shareable appetizers.

The operator perspective was highlighted by Mark McMillin, Chief Culinary Officer at Cooper’s Hawk, who pointed to the role of supplier collaboration in delivering both quality and cost efficiency.

“Our team of chefs and culinary advisors are constantly on the hunt for ways to deliver a wow-factor experience that is accessible for all our guests,” McMillin said. “McCain Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves are the perfect example of how the company partners with operators like us to deliver on guest’s expectations while keeping our margins in mind.”

The introduction of the product comes as foodservice operators increasingly seek ways to differentiate menus through format innovation rather than ingredient changes alone. Shape, texture, and presentation are becoming more prominent levers in product development, particularly within the potato category, which remains a staple but faces growing expectations for novelty.

McCain, a family-owned company founded in 1957, operates 49 production facilities globally and supplies frozen potato products to more than 160 countries. The company reports annual sales exceeding CAD 16 billion and maintains partnerships with approximately 4,400 farmers worldwide.

The Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves launch underscores the company’s ongoing strategy to extend its value proposition beyond core French fry formats, focusing on solutions that address both consumer expectations and operator constraints in a competitive foodservice environment.