Dunbia buys Cornish abattoir from H R Jasper & Son

UK red meat processor Dunbia has announced its acquisition of a lamb abattoir in Launceston, Cornwall, from H R Jasper & Son.

The purchase of the processing site expands Dunbia’s West Country presence and enhances its range of regional lamb products from Britain and Northern Ireland. The abattoir employs 90 people, all of whom will be retained.

Dunbia CEO Niall Browne said: “The reputation of 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”.

Founded in 1930, the Jasper family business processes up to 10,000 lambs a week, supplying the retail, wholesale, foodservice and export markets. 

Dunbia’s parent company, Dawn Meats, purchased a beef abattoir and boning facility in Treburley, Cornwall, from Jasper in 2014.

Keith Jasper, managing director of H R Jasper & Son, said: “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.”

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.