Leading UK pork producer Cranswick has announced the acquisition of outdoor pig business Packington Pork Limited from the Mercer family.
The business, which operates predominantly from a range of sites across Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, comprises pig breeding and rearing operations and specialises in the production of British free range and outdoor bred pigs.
However, the transaction does not include the Packington Free Range business, which will be retained by the Mercer family as a standalone business operating under the Packington brand.
Cranswick, which has purchased pigs from the business for the the past 14 years, said Packington’s existing management team would remain in place.
The Hull-based processor said the transaction increases its self-sufficiency in UK pigs processed to over 25%, securing direct control over a significant part of its supply chain for premium pigs and reinforcing its commitment to developing ‘a sustainable and traceable farm to fork operation’.
Cranswick CEO Adam Couch said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of the premium pig farming business, Packington Pork Limited.
“This acquisition strengthens our existing farming operations and reinforces our commitment to supporting and growing the British pig farming industry.
“It also aligns to our strategy of enhanced transparency and provenance of our food from farm to fork. We have worked closely with the business for over 14 years. We welcome the existing farm management team and look forward to investing in and developing the business over the coming years.”
