Red meat processor Dawn Meats has acquired Germany-based meat importer and distributor Alexander Eyckeler GmbH.
The move follows Dawn Meats’ acquisition of a 65% stake in Alliance Group, which is based in New Zealand. This is part of the company’s ongoing integration with Alliance.
Alexander Eyckeler GmbH is one of Alliance’s largest customers for lamb, mutton and venison, supplying retail, foodservice and cash and carry markets across Germany. It imports, distributes and key account manages Alliance’s Ashley lamb, mutton and venison brand, which has a dominant market share in Germany.
Alexander Eyckeler GmbH is based in Erkrath, near Düsseldorf in Germany and has been involved in the importing and marketing of chilled and frozen meat specialities from overseas for more than 25 years.
Alliance said its relationship with the Eyckeler family spans almost 40 years, beginning when the family established a butcher shop in Düsseldorf. Alexander Eyckeler, who died in 2025, established his firm more than 25 years ago.
“[The acquisition] brings Dawn Meats closer to key customers in Germany and improves co-ordination across supply and logistics.”
Niall Browne, Dawn Meats
Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, commented: “This acquisition supports Dawn Meats’ ongoing integration with Alliance and strengthens our ability to serve customers in-market. It brings Dawn Meats closer to key customers in Germany, improves co-ordination across supply and logistics and provides continuity for the Eyckeler team and its customers.”
Markus Wagner, managing director of Alexander Eyckeler GmbH, stated: “This development marks a new chapter in the company’s long-standing partnership with Alliance Group and its parent company Dawn Meats. We are confident that the trusted relationships built over decades with all our customers and suppliers will remain at the heart of Alexander Eyckeler GmbH’s approach, with the current team continuing to manage key accounts and oversee daily operations.
“Customers and partners can be assured that the core values of quality, service and continuity will remain unchanged, preserving the legacy established by Alexander Eyckeler and the Eyckeler family in the German market.”
James McWilliam, Alliance commercial director, said the Ashley brand had a “strong presence in Germany and a proud history” with customers across the market: “Alexander Eyckeler GmbH has played an important role in building that presence through long-standing relationships for decades.”
