Investment in Pig Processor “Squares the Circle” for Cranswick as Boss Hints at Further Acquisitions in Northern Ireland

17 Nov 2016 --- UK-based gourmet sausage business Cranswick has stumped up several million dollars to buy a pig processing business in Northern Ireland and hinted at further acquisitions in the country.

Cranswick chief executive Adam Couch said that the cash deal for Dunbia Ballymena “squared the circle” for Cranswick as it was already the processor’s biggest customer.

Speaking to FoodIngredientFirst, Adam Couch (pictured below), chief executive, said: “The Dunbia business has become an increasingly important supplier of pig meat into our existing business in the mainland UK over the last two to three years, particularly so over the last 12 months.”

“We were aware the business was up for sale around 18 months ago but we haven’t done anything about it until the last few months.”

Dunbia Ballymena, which employs around 370 staff and is based is County Antrim, Northern Ireland, processes around 7,800 pigs every week and has strong ties with the local farming community.

The founder of the business Jack Dobson is to continue in a consultancy business to ensure the deals goes through smoothly. The staff at Dunbia Ballymena are also expected to stay on.

The deal for Dunbia Ballymena marks Cranswick's first operational foray outside the UK and gives it a strong footprint in Northern Ireland, which could be complemented by further purchases in the region, suggested Couch.

“We have strong aspirations within that region,” said Couch, who also said Cranswick could invest in the Dunbia Ballymena site if needed.

“We have invested £200m ($250m) over the last eight years within the infrastructure [of Cranswick], so there is no reason why that shouldn't continue.”

Hull-based Cranswick produces gourmet sausages, cooked meats, cooked poultry, sandwiches and gourmet pastry products.

by John Reynolds