Three distinguished UK pig advertising teams – Scottish Pig Producers (SPP), Scotlean Pigs and Thames Valley Cambac (TVC) – have entered right into a ground-breaking merger to launch a brand new cooperative meant to provide unbiased farmers extra clout within the market.
The United Pig Cooperative shall be farmer-led, with 9 producer administrators representing all UK manufacturing areas. Phil Woodall, previously of TVC, and Andy McGowan, from SPP, would be the co-general managers initially, with recruitment for a single long-term basic supervisor beginning later this yr. The workplaces shall be in Yorkshire and Oxfordshire.
The intention to arrange the brand new cooperative was communicated to the three firms’ members earlier this month, and was confirmed immediately, following varied member votes.
TVC was already the nation’s greatest advertising group and, by becoming a member of forces, the three organisations intention to supply unbiased producers with a extra highly effective voice within the provide chain at a time when the built-in sector grows ever stronger.
The brand new cooperative would be the main supplier of assist providers to unbiased farmers within the UK pig provide chain. The strategic transfer will intention to boost market effectiveness, operational effectivity, and member assist, making certain a sustainable future for unbiased producers throughout the UK, the official announcement acknowledged.
The brand new physique will leverage the strengths of every organisation, rising market effectiveness by enhancing scheduling outcomes and making certain higher flexibility in logistics. The intention is that streamlining operations will enhance productiveness and cut back prices with financial savings for members, whereas useful resource sharing will enable for funding in information sharing, innovation and sustainability initiatives to raised meet member and buyer wants.
Roderic Bruce, chair of SPP, mentioned: “With the speedy rationalisation we’re seeing throughout the entire provide chain the necessity for this merger is evident. By taking one of the best of all three teams we’ll create an organisation that may finest serve its clients and members for the long run.”
TVC chair Robert Beckett mentioned: “I’m delighted that we’ve been capable of deliver these three companies collectively which is able to additional enhance our potential so as to add worth to not solely the members but in addition our processor clients as properly.”
Richard Butterworth, chair of Scotlean Pigs mentioned “This transfer will present a greater service for all our members and our clients.”
“United Pig Cooperative represents a daring step ahead for the UK pig farming trade, making certain that unbiased farms can thrive in an more and more built-in market.”
The three advertising teams
- Thames Valley Cambac is the biggest pig advertising cooperative within the UK, shaped within the 1970’s and supplying all main processors.
- Scottish Pig Producers offers cooperative pig advertising providers for members throughout Scotland and Northern Eire, having initially began as Grampian Pig Producers in 1979.
- Scotlean Pigs has been cooperatively working with members in Scotland and England by advertising pigs and provision different assist providers since 1980.
