Cargill to expand UK poultry processing operations

Cargill, an American agricultural and industrial conglomerate, has announced plans to invest £35m in its UK poultry processing operations over the next two to three years, in a move to strengthen its position in the country.

As part of the investment project, the company will improve efficiencies, upgrade technologies and establish a processing facility in Hereford.

This will allow the company to boost the supply of fresh UK-reared chicken to its customers in the retailer and foodservice sectors.

Cargill Meats Europe managing director Pilar Cruz said, "This is an exciting time for the poultry industry and as demand for fresh chicken grown in the UK continues to rise amongst retailers and consumers, we aim to position ourselves to better support this."

At the Hereford site, Cargill has already introduced controlled atmosphere stunning and upgraded the bird reception facilities, and the company now plans to expand the chilling capabilities and hatchery.

Cargill said that it would work with local UK chicken farmers to look at how to continue to build a sustainable and long-term chicken supply chain while increasing the home grown chicken count available to the local market.

Cruz said, "Cargill’s investment plans will not only help us support our customers but also local farmers and the industry as a whole."

"We are committed to working together with our farmers, customers, suppliers and communities to help the UK poultry industry to thrive and to leverage our broad global knowledge, ethics and values to build a strong sustainable growth business in the UK."

Established for more than 50 years, the Hereford site serves as the base for Cargill’s poultry business in Europe, offering primary and further processing capabilities of up to 1.3 million birds per week.

The company expects its Hereford plant to become one of the most efficient and competitive poultry processing facilities in Europe, once the investment project is complete.

Cargill has been present in the UK since 1955, and it currently employs more than 3,000 people at 19 locations.

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Image: Cargill’s office in Wayzata, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of Cargill, Incorporated.