Farmers supplying Pilgrim’s Europe are celebrating success after winning both First and Second Place for ‘Best Performing Breeder Flock’ at the Aviagen Flock Awards 2025.
Now in its 25th year, the Flock Awards honour excellence, innovation, and best practice in poultry breeding across the UK.
Pilgrim’s Europe farming partners were among the standout successes of the evening having secured the two top spots.
The award for Best Overall Flock Performance went to Chris Rees of Tilton Farm in Leicestershire, a Pilgrim’s Europe partner, who achieved an impressive 173.40 chicks per bird to 60 weeks.
Second place was awarded to Richard Crudden from Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, another supplier who achieved 171.35 chicks per bird to 60 weeks.
Bird rearers on winning farms were also acknowledged, with Edwin Jones accepting the award on behalf of Alastair Jefferson, who reared birds for Tilton Farm, and Richard McNeely from Co. Tyrone for the Crudden flock.
Hatchery teams were also applauded with Daniel Ashley from Newark Hatchery, Lincolnshire and Sam McBride from Donaghmore Hatchery, Co. Tyrone, both recognised for their skilled work in hatching the award-winning flocks.
Speaking on the team’s success, agriculture director at Pilgrim’s Europe, Fabio Brancher said: “This achievement highlights the strength of collaboration across Pilgrim’s Europe’s farming, rearing, and hatching teams, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence in poultry breeding.
“We’re grateful to the dedication of our farming partners to the highest standards of animal husbandry and congratulate all the winners of their outstanding performance.”
Pilgrim’s Europe
Pilgrim’s Europe is a UK and European food company employing 17,000 people across approximately 40 sites in the UK, Ireland, France and The Netherlands.
We are a leader in making quality food sustainably in partnership with local farmers through our Poultry, Pork, Lamb and Beef supply chains.
It produces own-label and branded fresh chicken, pork and lamb, as well as chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products for multiple markets.
Brands include: Richmond; Fridge Raiders; Denny; Galtee; Rollover; Oakhouse; and Moy Park.
