Pilgrim’s Europe acquires Hermitage AI
Transfer includes two genetic centres and staff in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire
UK – Pilgrim’s Europe has completed the purchase of Hermitage AI, taking control of the company’s artificial insemination operations located in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire as part of a move to integrate pig genetics into its supply chain.
The deal covers the activities of Hermitage AI, a business that produces semen used by pig breeding farms and has supplied Pilgrim’s Europe for many years through a commercial relationship.
Following the transaction, Pilgrim’s Europe will assume operational management of two Genetic Transfer Centres in Boston and Willingham, facilities that distribute breeding genetics to pig producers.
The transition also involves the transfer of 16 employees from Hermitage AI to Pilgrim’s Europe, who will join the company as it assumes day-to-day management of the sites.
At the same time, Pilgrim’s Europe has entered into a new operating arrangement with Hermitage Group and pig breeding company PIC UK to maintain the ongoing activity of the two UK boar stud facilities.
Under the agreement, Hermitage Group will continue cooperating with PIC while Pilgrim’s Europe becomes responsible for running the Genetic Transfer Centres previously managed by Hermitage AI.
Integration of genetics supply chain
Pilgrim’s Europe president Ivan Siqueira said integrating pig genetics into the company’s operations is intended to support improvements in areas including production efficiency, meat quality, animal health and herd resilience.
He added that the company intends to work with PIC UK to maintain the supply of high-grade breeding genetics for pig producers in the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Hermitage Group chief executive Ned Nolan said the company will work alongside Pilgrim’s Europe during the handover process to ensure the transfer of management responsibilities is completed without disruption.
Nolan also stated that Hermitage Group will maintain its broader collaboration with PIC and continue providing boars used in the UK Genetic Transfer Centre’s operations.
Industry partnership continues
PIC commercial director Craig Lewis said the change in operational management is expected to maintain access to the company’s breeding genetics for pig producers throughout the UK pork sector.
He explained that ensuring a reliable supply of boar genetics remains important for maintaining competitiveness among pig producers and the wider national pork supply chain.
Lewis also noted that Pilgrim’s Europe operates boar stud facilities in several markets internationally and has experience managing genetic breeding infrastructure.
According to Lewis, cooperation between PIC and Pilgrim’s Europe will focus on maintaining consistent service for producers who rely on PIC genetics supplied through the UK centres.
The acquisition brings a key component of Pilgrim’s Europe’s pig breeding network under direct control, while partnerships with Hermitage Group and PIC continue to shape the operation of the UK facilities.
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