Pilgrim’s Europe, which is the owner of Moy Park, one of Northern Ireland’s (NI) largest businesses, has urged the UK government to adopt a “joined-up policy approach across environment, rural economy and agriculture”.
According to Pilgrim’s Europe this is the key to “fulfilling Northern Ireland’s agri-food potential”.
Pilgrim’s Europe is part of the Colorado headquartered, NASDAQ listed Pilgrim’s Pride corporation which last month reported first quarter 2025 results showing $4.5 billion in net sales and an operating income of $404.5 million.
It highlighted in its latest set of results that it is focusing on “efforts to scale profitable growth” in Europe and that it has “increased traction among consumers for core branded offerings”.
According to Justin Coleman, poultry business unit director, Pilgrim’s Europe – which counts Moy Park as one of its key brands – the business is “focused on continually driving higher welfare and sustainability standards through a science-based approach”.
Speaking at the Balmoral Show last week he also outlined that through Pilgrim’s Europe Moy Park operation it works closely with over 450 Northern Ireland farmers daily and the business supplies “every major retailer and food service outlet across the UK and Ireland with quality Northern Irish chicken.”
Moy Park
Moy Park began life in Moygashel in Co. Tyrone in 1943, Pilgrim’s acquired Moy Park for $1.3 billion in 2017.
The poultry business unit director of Pilgrim’s Europe said the business is “continuing to invest in new ways of doing things, pushing the boundaries of innovation, striving for even higher standards”.
But he also warned that “what industry needs, to continue on this success journey, is for policy support to progress at pace alongside us”.
“Northern Ireland is a powerhouse of agriculture excellence.
“Constructive collaboration across government departments and industry can help unlock the solutions needed across planning, infrastructure and the environment to allow our agrifood industry to thrive and grow in the most sustainable way,” Coleman added.
