Pilgrim’s UK has now officially launched its lamb business, which will ‘connect a country wide lamb supply chain, bringing farmers and customers closer together’.
This latest step for Pilgrim’s UK follows the company’s 2021 acquisition of Randall Parker Food’s (RPF) two manufacturing facilities in Llanidloes and Andover, and 350 staff. Via the two plants, Pilgrim’s UK lamb will process Welsh and British premium lamb products, with ambitions of reinventing the lamb category in the UK.
The official launch of Pilgrim’s UK lamb could be seen at the Royal Welsh Show. Here, Pilgrim’s new lamb venture showcased its lamb products, plus the butchery and flavours that go into each product.
Throughout the show, the lamb team – headed by managing director Lee Rampling and Jim Gaffney, the former managing director of Randall Parker Foods – held meetings with industry stakeholders, and members of the NFU and Hybu Cig Cymru, and sponsored various sheep classes.
Mr Rampling said: “A huge amount of work has gone into integrating the RPF sites into the wider Pilgrim’s UK organisation, and it is a testament to the RPF teams’ passion and commitment that has seen the project go so well.”
“The move brings our lamb operations closer together into a single integrated supply chain which will benefit team members and customers alike, securing jobs, investment and growth for a sustainable future.”
Mr Gaffney, who will continue to oversee the two sites’ operations, said: “Customers and suppliers know our reputation is based on being the premier specialist lamb processor in the UK. The Royal Welsh Show was the perfect opportunity to come together with our vital Welsh farmers to show them the exciting opportunities ahead.”
“We will continue to produce the high-quality lamb we are known for, while leveraging the expertise and Passion for Food that exists across the Pilgrim’s UK business to help us reach new customers and markets.”
“Thanks to this relationship with Pilgrim’s UK our reputation in the industry will grow further and we’re excited to bring our Welsh farmers with us on this journey.”