PRESS RELEASE
Pilgrim’s Europe is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hermitage AI Ltd including its Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire operations.
A new operating agreement with Hermitage Group and PIC UK, the global leader in porcine genetics, ensures the continued operation of the UK boar studs in Boston and Willingham. Under the agreement, 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 high-quality semen for our breeding farms. The acquisition strengthens Pilgrim’s pig supply chain and provides the opportunity to drive further improvements in production efficiency, sustainability and animal health.
Announcing the acquisition, Pilgrim’s Europe President, Ivan Siqueira said:
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, 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.
About Pilgrim’s Europe
Pilgrim’s Europe is a leading food business, supplying high-quality pork, poultry and food solutions from 29 production facilities across the UK and Europe. It is part of the global Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (PPC). The company’s pig business has built strong partnerships with UK pig farmers and major retailers since 1979. Holding around 25% of the UK market, it is one of the largest producers of higher-welfare pork producing 1 million pigs annually. With eight UK pork facilities, the company process over 2 million pigs each year, delivering quality British pork from farm to fork. Learn more at www.pilgrimseurope.com.
About PIC
PIC® is the international leader in swine genetics and pig improvement, delivering continuous genetic progress and technical support to make pig producers the most successful in the world. PIC is a subsidiary of Genus plc.
About Hermitage
Hermitage is a global supplier of pig breeding stock and genetic services, known for its dedication to quality and innovation in swine production. It is a trusted global partner to PIC.
