Northern Irish food manufacturer Finnebrogue has been acquired by pork and seafood producer Sofina Foods Europe.

Sofina Foods Europe’s pork division is one of the largest processors and suppliers of products across the UK and Ireland, while its seafood division is the largest producer of chilled and frozen products across the UK. Its Young’s brand is also a major player in frozen seafood across Germany and France.

Finnebrogue, which was established in 1991 and currently employs around 1,200 people in Northern Ireland, produces a range of pork, sausage, bacon and ham products, as well as plant-based alternatives.

The acquisition will now see more than 9,000 people across 27 sites employed by Sofina Foods Europe.

Ash Amirahmadi, CEO of Sofina Foods Europe, stated: “This is an exciting step forward for Sofina Foods Europe. Finnebrogue is a hugely successful, award-winning business with similar values and principles to Sofina Foods Europe. I look forward to welcoming everyone at Finnebrogue to the Sofina Foods family and drawing upon the significant expertise that exists across both businesses.”

Christine Lynn, co-founder of Finnebrogue, said: “My late husband Denis and I started Finnebrogue Venison in 1991. With Denis’s vision and innovation, the business grew into one of the leading food companies in Northern Ireland, making food the best it could be, without being bound by the way it had always been done, and creating over 1,200 jobs along the way.

“In May 2021, my husband tragically died; from then on I have had the support and backing of the leadership team which Denis created, and I am so proud that Finnebrogue has continued to prosper and grow. 

“But the time has now come for me to hand over the baton, and to do so to Sofina who I know will uphold Denis’s legacy and take Finnebrogue on to its next chapter.”

Roger Burnley CBE, chair of Finnebrogue, added: “I’m delighted that Finnebrogue is joining Sofina Foods Europe, and I know that this great business will continue to flourish as part of the Sofina family, who’s purpose-driven values align closely with our own, unlocking new opportunities for our people, our products and our customers.

“The Lynn family who founded the business 30 years ago have built an extraordinary legacy, and I know that they join me in thanking every single one of our fantastic Finnebrogue colleagues, past and present. Now with Sofina’s stewardship, we look forward to watching Finnebrogue go from strength to strength.”