Sofina Foods, a major player in the food industry, has confirmed the acquisition of Finnebrogue, a family-owned food manufacturing business based in County Down, Northern Ireland. Established in 1991, Finnebrogue employs approximately 1,200 people across four modern facilities. The company is known for producing an extensive range of products, including outdoor-bred pork, sausages, rashers, and ham, alongside plant-based alternatives. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for Sofina Foods Europe, which already operates 27 sites with over 9,000 employees, and strengthens its presence across the UK and Europe.

Finnebrogue is recognised for its innovative Naked Range, which emphasises natural ingredients and excludes artificial additives and nitrites, offering products such as Naked Bacon, Ham, and Sausages. Additionally, it has a growing portfolio of plant-based options including sausages, burgers, meatballs, and mince, as well as high-quality breaded and battered products and ‘veg-rich’ lines. This diversity and commitment to quality align well with Sofina Foods’ existing operations, which cover a broad spectrum of seafood and pork products under both branded and own-label categories. Sofina’s seafood division is notably the largest provider of chilled and frozen seafood in the UK, with significant roles in Germany and France.

The acquisition situates Finnebrogue within a larger global framework, as Sofina Foods overall employs more than 13,000 people worldwide. Michael Latifi, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Sofina Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction, highlighting the shared culture of excellence and integrity between the two companies. He described the acquisition as a continuation of Sofina’s ambitious expansion strategy, building on over 30 years of food production and processing expertise.

Christine Lynn, co-founder of Finnebrogue, reflected on the journey since the company’s inception alongside her late husband Denis, who played a pivotal role in establishing the business as one of Northern Ireland’s leading food companies. Following Denis Lynn’s passing in 2021, Christine acknowledged the company’s continued growth under the strong leadership team and expressed confidence that Sofina would uphold his legacy while ushering the business into its next chapter. Roger Burnley CBE, Chair of Finnebrogue, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the alignment of values between the two companies and the potential for new opportunities for employees, products, and customers under Sofina’s ownership.

Finnebrogue has attracted numerous accolades, including UK Food Manufacturer of the Year in 2023 and Employer of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards in 2024, which underscore its robust reputation within the food industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability is also notable, evident in recent investments such as a £2.8 million upgrade of its plant-based food factory, including the installation of nearly 3,000 solar panels and the expansion of infrastructure to support growth. This reflects a broader industry trend towards more sustainable and health-conscious food production, with plant-based products playing a critical role in Finnebrogue’s portfolio.

In parallel with the acquisition, Finnebrogue has announced a return to its roots through a brand refresh that celebrates its heritage, including a new logo inspired by the natural surroundings of the Finnebrogue Estate. This rebranding coincides with the business likely surpassing £200 million in revenue for the first time, marking a significant milestone that reflects its strong market position.

Looking forward, Sofina Foods’ integration of Finnebrogue is expected to enhance its distribution network across the UK and Europe, supporting sustained growth and innovation in both traditional meat and plant-based food sectors. The deal not only represents a strategic diversification for Sofina but also ensures that Finnebrogue’s legacy of quality, innovation, and community impact will continue on a larger scale within a global company.