Pilgrim’s UK acquires Randall Parker Foods

Leading food and farming business Pilgrim’s UK has announced the acquisition of Randall Parker Foods (RPF).

RPF’s two manufacturing facilities – an abattoir in Powys processing up to 20,000 lambs a week and a retail packing plant in Andover – will form part of Pilgrim’s UK’s Dalehead Foods division.

All 350 RPF employees, including its management teams, will remain in place under existing terms and conditions, with Jim Gaffney, managing director of RPF, continuing to oversee operations at the two sites.

Pilgrim’s UK said it will be investing further in the two sites.

“It will bring our lamb operations closer together into a single integrated supply chain which will benefit team members and customers alike, securing jobs, investment and growth for a sustainable future,” Andrew Cracknell, Pilgrim’s UK chief executive, said.

Dalehead Foods has worked with RPF for almost 30 years, and Cracknell said the acquisition is a “natural fit for both organizations.”

Ron Randall, chairman of Randall Parker Foods Limited, commented: “The shareholders of RPF are delighted to be able to confirm the acquisition and are so happy that the future of RPF will be secured and brighter, with the business in the safe hands of a company with the scope and resources of Pilgrim’s UK.”

The UK is world’s fifth largest producer and third largest exporter of lamb and mutton and the acquisition is expected to help Pilgrim’s UK capitalise on the popularity of British lamb with export customers.

Pilgrim’s UK recently announced revenue growth in 2020 in its latest annual report and accounts, helping the business move into profit after several consecutive years of losses.