The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Finnebrogue, a Northern Ireland-based food manufacturer, has officially become part of Sofina Foods, a player in the food industry across Europe and Canada. This acquisition is poised to enhance both companies' operational capabilities and market reach.

Founded in 1991, Finnebrogue has built a reputation for producing high-quality food products, including outdoor-bred pork, sausages, rashers and ham, alongside a growing range of plant-based alternatives. The family-owned company currently employs approximately 1,200 people across four state-of-the-art facilities in County Down.

Finnebrogue is particularly known for its popular brands, such as Naked, which offers a range of innovative, healthier meat products, and its award-winning Guinness Premium Beef Burger, which has garnered a loyal consumer following.

Sofina Foods, which employs over 13,000 people across more than 40 sites, boasts a diverse portfolio that includes brands such as Young’s Seafood and Moy Park. Its pork division is recognised as one of the largest processors in the UK and Ireland, while its seafood division is a dominant force in the chilled and frozen product markets, offering a variety of options from fish fillets to ready-to-eat meals.

The integration of Finnebrogue into Sofina Foods is expected to create synergies that will enhance the distribution network across the UK and Europe, allowing both companies to leverage their strengths in product quality and innovation. Following the acquisition, Sofina Foods Europe will employ over 9,000 staff across 27 sites, further solidifying its position in the competitive food landscape.

Michael Latifi, founder, chairman and CEO of Sofina Foods, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition: “This acquisition will allow Sofina Foods to continue our journey of ambitious expansion. We have created a global foundation for continued growth, with a history of excellence in food production and processing spanning over 30 years.”

Ash Amirahmadi, CEO of Sofina Foods Europe, noted the alignment of values between the two companies. “Finnebrogue is a hugely successful, award-winning business with similar values and principles to Sofina Foods Europe. I look forward to welcoming everyone at Finnebrogue to the Sofina Foods family,” he said.

Roger Burnley CBE, chair of Finnebrogue, expressed optimism about the future of the company under Sofina's ownership. “I’m delighted that Finnebrogue is joining Sofina Foods Europe, and I know that this great business will continue to flourish as part of the Sofina family,” he added.

Christine Lynn, co-founder of Finnebrogue, reflected on the legacy of the company and the transition of leadership. “The time has now come for me to hand over the baton, and to do so to Sofina who I know will uphold Denis’s legacy and take Finnebrogue on to its next chapter,” she remarked, acknowledging the support of the leadership team following the passing of her husband and co-founder, Denis Lynn.

The transaction was managed by Sofina Foods' finance, tax, treasury and legal teams with external support from firms including PWC and Taylor Wessing. Finnebrogue was advised by Piper Sandler, Carson McDowell and EY.