Buckle Family UK pig farming operations acquired by Cranswick

UK-based food producer Cranswick has acquired Buckle Family’s pig farming and rearing operations for an undisclosed amount.

Additionally, Cranswick acquired the 50% stake held by the Buckle Family in White Rose Farms.

White Rose Farms is a pig production joint venture (JV) between Cranswick and Buckle Family. They established the JV in 2018.

Cranswick CEO Adam Couch said: “I am pleased to announce today’s transaction, which further reinforces our strategic commitment to supporting and growing the British pig farming industry.

“We have worked with the Buckle Family for over 25 years and we are delighted to welcome Rick, as managing director of White Rose Farms, and the wider team to Cranswick.”

Cranswick said that White Rose Farms will continue to produce Red Tractor assured pigs in Yorkshire.

Red Tractor is a food standard assurance scheme in the UK. It covers animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection.

With this acquisition, Cranswick has increased its self-sufficiency in UK pigs processing by more than 30%.

It expects the acquisition to aid in its commitment to creating a sustainable and traceable farm to fork operation. It will also support its Second Nature strategy.

Cranswick developed its Second Nature strategy as part of its goal to become the world’s most sustainable meat business.

In December, Cranswick acquired free-range and outdoor farmed pig business Packington Pork from the Mercer Family.

Packington Pork specialises in the production of British free-range and outdoor-bred pigs. Its has pig farming and rearing operations in several counties across the UK.