UK-based food manufacturer Cranswick said it has acquired the Buckle family’s share of a pig processing joint venture set up in 2018, White Rose Farms.

London-listed Cranswick, a predominately meat-processing business, is also taking over the pig farming and rearing operations of the Buckle family, as well as their 50% share in the JV, the company said in a statement today (11 February). No terms were provided.

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White Rose Farms specialises in the production of pigs approved by the Red Tractor body and is located in the county of Yorkshire, in north-central England. Rick Buckle will continue to lead the business as managing director, Cranswick said.
 
In December, Cranswick acquired UK-based Packington Pork, which specialises in British free-range and outdoor pigs. With the newly=announced deal, Cranswick said its “self-sufficiency” in UK pigs processed now rises to 30%.  

Chief executive 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.”

Last month, meanwhile, Cranswick announced plans to distribute pork and charcuterie products in the UK manufactured by Spain’s Costa Foods Group under a new agreement between the two companies.

Read just-food’s two-part interview from October with Cranswick CEO Adam Couch.

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