New merger called ‘bold step forward’ for UK pig farming industry

Scottish Pig Producers (SPP), Scotlean Pigs and Thames Valley Cambac (TVC) have created the United Pig Cooperative. The organisation will be farmer-led, with nine producer directors representing all UK production regions.

Phil Woodall, formerly of TVC, and Andy McGowan, from SPP, will be the co-general managers initially, with recruitment for a single long-term general manager starting later this year. The offices will be in Yorkshire and Oxfordshire.

The new organisation will aim to enhance market effectiveness, operational efficiency and member support, ensuring a sustainable future for independent producers across the UK, the official announcement stated.

The intention is that streamlining operations will boost productivity and reduce costs with savings for members, while resource sharing will allow for investment in knowledge sharing, innovation and sustainability initiatives to better meet member and customer needs.

‘A bold step forward for UK pig farming industry’

Roderic Bruce, chair of SPP, said: “With the rapid rationalisation we are seeing across the whole supply chain, the need for this merger is clear. By taking the best of all three groups, we will create an organisation that can best serve its customers and members for the future.”

TVC chair Robert Beckett said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring these three businesses together which will further increase our ability to add value to not only the members but also our processor customers as well.”

Richard Butterworth, chair of Scotlean Pigs, added that this move will provide a better service for all members and customers.

“United Pig Cooperative represents a bold step forward for the UK pig farming industry, ensuring that independent farms can thrive in an increasingly integrated market,” he concluded.

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