BRECHIN ABATTOIR has been bought over by Browns Food Group, securing the long-term future of Scotland's pig sector following months of uncertainty.

Brechin is home to Scotland’s main pork processing site, which has been owned by Quality Pork Processors (QPP) Ltd since 2016. It is hoped that the acquisition of QPP by Browns – which operates seven sites across the UK – will provide a platform to build a stronger future for the Scottish pig industry which has faced numerous challenges since the abattoir temporarily closed last February, leading to a backlog in pigs for slaughter and a lost export license to China.

Managing director of the Scottish Pig Producers, Andy McGowan, welcomed the announcement: “This fantastic news gives long-term market security for our hard-pressed pig farmers and we are excited to work with Browns Food Group and the skilled team at Quality Pork Processors to develop new and innovative market opportunities for Specially Selected Pork. It allows us to get back to doing what we do best – family farms cooperating to provide the Scottish public with affordable, nutritious, high quality food.”

Speaking on the deal, Browns CEO, Wayne Godfrey said: “This acquisition demonstrates our deep commitment to a sustainable Scottish pig industry, for both our customers and consumers of Specially Selected Pork and Scottish Pork.

“It provides the opportunity for Browns to process high welfare local pork for our own manufacturing sites as well as for retail, foodservice and wholesale channels. In addition, we will reduce food miles with improved logistics, efficiencies, and closer management of welfare.”

Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers executive manager, Martin Morgan, added: "Browns Food Group has a fantastic track record of supporting the Scottish red meat industry and we are delighted that they will be applying their business acumen, strength and experience to the development of this important sector."

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Quality Meat Scotland chair, Kate Rowell, said that despite the challenges facing the pig industry, Brechin abattoir would be in good hands with Browns: "We are confident that the strong experience Browns holds will ensure a smooth transition of the Brechin site which in the longer-term will help alleviate some of the ongoing pressures faced by the sector.

“Our priority remains to support producers of Specially Selected Pork and Scottish Pork to uphold robust whole chain assurance so that animals have the best quality of life on farm, and high standards that continue throughout the live supply chain, resulting in the highest quality product from field to fork.”

The abattoir falls in the constituency of Scotland's cabinet secretary for the rural economy, Mairi Gougeon MSP.

“Brechin is in my local constituency, and the acquisition ensures a bright future for the rural economy and the Scottish pig sector," concluded Ms Gougeon.