Quality Pork Ltd (QPL), the company that runs Scotland’s largest pork processing plant, has been purchased by Browns Food Group.
The sale has been described by Browns as “an exciting new development for both companies”.
The temporary closure of the Quality Pork Processors (QPP) Brechin plant at the start of 2021 was a significant factor in the backlog of pigs on Scottish farms in subsequent months.
Established in 1885, Browns Food Group operates from seven manufacturing sites, producing and supplying a range of cooked meats, including salmon, poultry, pre-sliced and whole joints of cooked meat, convenience foods and a variety of delicatessen items.
Prior to the acquisition, the Brechin site was owned by Quality Pork Ltd (QPL), in a collaboration between Scottish Pig Producers (SPP) and Scotlean, both pig farmer cooperatives, and Pilgrim’s Pride UK. Pigworld reported that Pilgrim’s Pride UK’s direct involvement with the plant will end following the acquisition’s completion.
Reacting to the news, Martin Morgan, executive manager of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, said: "Browns Food Group has a fantastic track record of supporting the Scottish red meat industry and we are delighted that they will be applying their business acumen, strength and experience to the development of this important sector."
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
