The acquisition of Hermitage AI by the meat giant will see it enter a new operating agreement with Hermitage Group and its partner, PIC UK, a global leader in porcine genetics.
The deal will shift the operations of two Genetic Transfer Centres (GTCs) – Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire – from Hermitage to Pilgrim’s Europe. Sixteen members of the Pilgrim’s team will also move across to work at the GTCs.
Pilgrim’s Europe, which is part of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (PPC), has been operating in the UK pig market since 1979. Today, its pig business dominates around 25% of the UK market; and with eight UK pork facilities, it processes more than two million pigs each year.
The acquisition of Hermitage AI - which has been a long-term supplier to Pilgrim’s, providing semen for its breeding farms - forms part of a move to strengthen the company’s pig supply chain and will drive further improvements in this several areas across its swine business.
“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,” said Pilgrim’s Europe president, Ivan Siqueira.
“We also look forward to working in partnership with PIC UK to safeguard the long-term future of elite genetic delivery in the UK."
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.”
Hermitage Group will continue its broader working relationship with PIC and will still supply boars to the UK GTC operations.
