Dunbia acquires Cornish lamb abattoir

The lamb abattoir in Launceston further enhances the meat processor’s position in the UK, building on parent company Dawn Meats’ previous purchases of the Jasper beef abattoir and boning facility in Treburley in 2014.

The H R Jasper & Son lamb abattoir processes up to 10,000 lambs a week, with products sold to retail, wholesale, foodservice and export markets. The site employs 90 people and all staff are being retained.  

Growing reputation and demand

Commenting on the acquisition, Dunbia chief executive Niall Browne said: “The reputation and demand for high-quality West Country lamb is growing both within Britain and across Europe and we look forward to continuing to work with farmers in Cornwall and across the Southwest to promote this excellent product to both new and existing customers.”​

Andrew Smyth, livestock procurement director at Dunbia said the climate and excellent farming practices in this region will allow the processor to deliver the first British Spring lambs of the new season to its customers.

“This will be a great addition to our range of regional lamb products from Britain and Northern Ireland,”​ Smyth continued.

‘Proud history’

Keith Jasper, managing director of H R Jasper & Son, added: “We have a proud history of providing great service to both our farmers and our customers and as the family now passes on the business, we are confident that Dunbia will continue that tradition. ​

“We have been doing business with Dunbia for many years. It’s a family business like ours and has previous experience of acquiring and developing businesses in the West Country. Our family looks forward to continuing to work with Dunbia on the site.”​

Meanwhile, Proper Cornish, the Cornish pasty and savoury pastries food manufacture, has been purchased by French patisserie company Groupe Boncolac​​ for an undisclosed sum.