Damate Group, Russia’s leading turkey meat producer, has reported a significant increase in its exports for the first nine months of 2024.

The company exported 8,300 tonnes of turkey and duck meat, which is double the amount exported in the same period last year.

Of this, turkey meat exports stood at 8,000 tonnes, with 6,300 tonnes coming from the Penza region and 1,700 tonnes from the Rostov region.

Damate has been exporting turkey to China since 2019, initially from the Penza region and later from the Rostov region starting at the end of 2023. Exports of duck meat from the Rostov region began at the start of 2024. China remains a key export market for Damate Group, which was the first Russian company to receive permission to export products to that country.

The company began developing its export business in 2015 and currently holds permits for deliveries to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries and another 34 countries worldwide.

In 2023, Damate increased turkey meat production by 10%, reaching 237,000 tonnes in slaughter weight.

Pickstock’s Scottish Expansion Moves Forward Without Environmental Impact Assessment

The English meat processing firm Pickstock has received approval to proceed with its multi-million pound expansion into Scotland without the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Shropshire-based company plans to construct an abattoir near the A74(M) close to Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Despite local villagers’ concerns and a request for the Scottish government to review the council’s decision, the Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate (PARD) concluded that the issues raised did not justify overturning the council’s stance. Consequently, a study of the potential environmental effects is not required.

Pickstock announced its plans for the new facility earlier this year, highlighting that the development would create up to 60 full-time jobs and reduce travel time for animals currently transported to its Telford facility.

Local residents had voiced worries about the “likely significant effects” on light pollution, flooding, traffic, and potential “human health impacts” of the proposals. However, the Scottish government determined that with the proposed mitigation measures, the development would not have “significant adverse effects” on the environment.

Sysco, the global foodservice provider, has acquired Campbell’s Prime Meat in a strategic move to expand its footprint in the UK. This acquisition signals Sysco’s commitment to strengthening its supply chain and enhancing product offerings to UK customers, particularly within the hospitality, catering, and retail sectors[1].

Based in Linlithgow, Campbell’s Prime Meat serves a broad client base across Scotland and Northern England. The acquisition will allow Sysco to leverage Campbell’s local expertise, ensuring consistent quality and service for which Campbell’s has become renowned, while also tapping into Sysco’s extensive global network[1].

Tim Adams, CEO of Sysco UK, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Campbell’s Prime Meat to the Sysco family. This acquisition not only strengthens our supply chain but also reflects our commitment to local sourcing, quality, and customer service. Campbell’s Prime Meat has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to better serve our customers across the UK”[1].

James Campbell, CEO of Campbell’s Prime Meat, commented on the acquisition: “Joining Sysco is a tremendous opportunity for Campbell’s Prime Meat. With Sysco’s scale and resources, we can bring our products to a larger audience and continue to support our local suppliers. This acquisition also offers a growth platform for our employees and an ability to invest further in the communities we serve”[1].

The deal marks Sysco’s continued investment in the UK foodservice sector and demonstrates its ambition to be the leading supplier of choice, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced products. The acquisition also adds to Sysco’s growing portfolio of partnerships and acquisitions across Europe, positioning it as a prominent competitor in the UK’s foodservice industry[1].

Minerva Foods Finalises Acquisition of Marfrig Global Foods’ Key Assets

Minerva Foods has successfully completed its acquisition of several key assets from Marfrig Global Foods, solidifying its position as a major player in the meat processing industry. This acquisition, which was first announced earlier this year, has now received final regulatory approvals and marks a significant milestone in Minerva’s expansion strategy across South America and beyond.

The acquisition includes processing plants and distribution centres in various strategic locations, thereby strengthening Minerva’s presence in core markets such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Fernando Galletti de Queiroz, CEO of Minerva Foods, described the acquisition as a pivotal step in the company’s long-term strategy. He stated, “By integrating Marfrig’s assets, we can enhance our supply capabilities, streamline our operations, and better serve our clients worldwide with premium products.”

Minerva, already a leading exporter of fresh meat across South America, expects the acquisition to bolster its export capabilities to high-demand markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The company also highlighted that the transaction aligns with its sustainability objectives, as the additional facilities will enable Minerva to implement environmentally friendly practices at scale, potentially reducing emissions and waste through improved logistical integration.

The acquisition is anticipated to positively impact Minerva’s revenue in the coming fiscal year, as the company leverages synergies across its expanded network of assets. Industry analysts view this move as a proactive approach to meeting increased global protein demands while addressing sustainability, a growing priority within the sector.

The Minerva-Marfrig deal is one of the latest in a series of mergers and acquisitions reshaping the meat processing industry. It underscores an era of consolidation and strategic partnerships as firms seek to streamline operations and fortify market positions amid shifting consumer trends and supply chain challenges.