Downpatrick’s Finnebrogue acquired by Canada’s Sofina Foods
Finnebrogue in Downpatrick, a FoodNI member company, has been acquired by
Sofina Foods Europe, part of Canada’s Sofina Foods, Inc. Finnebrogue, which
produces nitrite-free meat products such as sausages, bacon and ham, is one of
Northern Ireland’s leading and most innovative food businesses.
Sofina Foods said it had acquired Finnebrogue as it looks to continue its “ambitious”
growth strategy across Europe.
Finnebrogue, a family-owned business, produces a range of food products, including
outdoor-bred pork, sausages, bacon and ham, as well as plant-based alternatives.
Established in 1991, the company employs around 1,200 people across four facilities
in County Down, Northern Ireland. It was established by the late Denis Lynn and wife
Christine. The company pioneered healthy and plant foods using the latest
production technology. It supplies many of the leading UK multiples.
Sofina Foods, which supplies both branded and own-label seafood and pork
products, said that post-deal its European operations will now employ over 9,000
people across 27 sites.
Founder, chairman and chief executive of Sofina Foods, Michael Latifi, said in a
statement the acquisition will allow Sofina Foods to “continue our journey of
ambitious expansion”.
