Scottish Pig Producers, Scotlean Pigs and Thames Valley Cambac have merged to create the United Pig Cooperative, aiming to strengthen the UK pig farming industry.
It said that this move would “enhance market effectiveness, operational efficiency and member support”, which it said would ensure a “sustainable future” for independent producers across the UK.
United Pig Cooperative will be the leading provider of support services to independent farmers in the UK pig supply chain. By leveraging the strengths of each organisation, the group said it will increase market effectiveness by improving scheduling outcomes and greater flexibility in logistics.
Increasing productivity for members
Streamlining operations will boost productivity and reduce costs with savings for its members, it said, while resource sharing will allow for investment in knowledge sharing, innovation and sustainability initiatives to better meet member and customer needs.
The United Pig Cooperative will be farmer-led, with nine producer directors representing all UK production regions. Phil Woodall (Thames Valley Cambac) and Andy McGowan (Scottish Pig Producers) will be the co-general managers initially with recruitment for a single long-term GM starting later this year. The office locations will be in Yorkshire and Oxfordshire.
“By taking the best of all three groups we will create an organisation that can best serve its customers and members for the future.”
Roderic Bruce, Scottish Pig Producers
Roderic Bruce, chair of Scottish Pig Producers, said: “With the rapid rationalisation we are seeing across the whole supply chain the need for this merger is clear.
“By taking the best of all three groups we will create an organisation that can best serve its customers and members for the future.”
Robert Beckett, chair of Thames Valley Cambac, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring these three businesses together which will further increase our ability to add value to not only the members but also our processor customers as well.”
Richard Butterworth, chair of Scotlean Pigs, said: “This move will provide a better service for all our members and our customers.”
