UK red meat supplier Pilgrim’s Europe has acquired Hermitage AI, including its Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire operations.
A new operating agreement with Hermitage Group and pig breeding company PIC UK will aim to “ensure the continued operation” of the UK boar studs in Boston and Willingham.
Operational responsibility for the two Genetic Transfer Centres (GTCs) will transition from Hermitage to Pilgrim’s Europe, with 16 staff joining the Pilgrim’s team.
Hermitage AI is a long-standing supplier to Pilgrim’s, specialising in the production of semen for its breeding farms.
Pilgrim’s said the acquisition would strengthen its pig supply chain and “provide the opportunity to drive further improvements in production efficiency, sustainability and animal health”.
Announcing the acquisition, Pilgrim’s Europe president Ivan Siqueira stated: “Integrating a pig genetics supply chain will enable continuous gains in production efficiency, meat quality, animal health and resilience, delivering long-term benefits for our customers and UK consumers. We also look forward to working in partnership with PIC UK to safeguard the long-term future of elite genetic delivery in the UK.”
Ned Nolan, CEO of Hermitage Group, commented: “We will coordinate closely with the Pilgrim’s team to ensure a smooth management handover covering all aspects of the operation. Hermitage Group will continue its broader working relationship with PIC, and we will continue to supply boars to the UK GTC operations.”
Craig Lewis, PIC commercial director, added: “This evolution in operational stewardship secures the long-term availability of PIC’s high-quality boar genetics for UK pig producers, a key factor in supporting competitiveness across the national pork supply chain.
“Pilgrim’s Europe has extensive global expertise in boar stud management, and we look forward to working together to maintain consistent, high-value services to PIC UK customers and the wider UK pig industry, today and into the future.”
