The Cranswick pig and poultrymeat business has taken a further step towards the vertical integration of its pig operations through the acquisition of the JSR Genetics pig breeding business and JSR’s pig rearing activities. Financial details have not been disclosed.
Cranswick has acquired the entire issued share capital of JSR Genetics from the East Yorkshire-based JSR Farms, owned by the Rymer family. The transaction includes the pig genetics and pig farming operations of JSR Farms, including pyramid and commercial units, AI studs and third-party finishing contracts. JSR Genetics is a long-standing supplier to Cranswick.
JSR Genetics was established as JSR Healthbred in 1982 by John Rymer who had founded JSR Farms, based at Southburn, in 1958. Over the subsequent years the business grew both organically and by acquiring some of its main rivals. In 2015, JSR Genetics partnered with the Dutch company Topigs Norsvin, the world’s second largest pig genetics company to compete on world markets.
JSR Genetics is reported to have 300 boars at stud and 8,000 high health nucleus and multiplication sows, while JSR Farms runs more than 3,000 commercial sows. The transaction includes eight freehold sites and rented sites on long-term tenancies, plus third-party operators who will also move to Cranswick.
Cranswick is understood to manage some 70,000 sows, making it more that 50% self-sufficient in pigs to process. Last year it acquired the Elsham Linc and Piggy Green pig production businesses.
JSR Genetics reported an operating profit of £1.36 million on revenues of £11.73m in the year ended June 20124, when it had net assets of £5.3m. Cranswick, with its headquarters in Hull, made an operating profit of £166.9m on revenues of £2.6 billion in the year to March 30th 2024.
Cranswick says JSR Genetics will remain as a separate entity, rather than being fully integrated into the Cranswick business. This allows Cranswick to continue to use other pig breeding and genetics companies, and JSR to continue supplying other customers, including competitor processors. All 70 JSR staff will transfer to Cranswick in their existing roles.
“I am delighted to announce the acquisition of JSR Genetics, a leading pig genetics supplier and commercial pig producer based in East Yorkshire,” says Cranswick chief executive Adam Couch. “This acquisition increases the scale of our indoor pig production, further securing supply for our customers’ pork requirements. The addition of an integrated pig genetics supply chain will allow us to drive ongoing improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, animal health and robustness, for the long-term benefit of our customers and the UK consumer.”
JSR director Tim Rymer adds: “Cranswick is a highly successful local business with a proven track record for investment and growth and this acquisition will provide tremendous career opportunities for the transferring employees. The majority of roles will remain in the local area, ensuring continuity for the team and local communities.
“The business will continue to be the exclusive distributor of Topigs Norsvin genetics in the UK and will remain the leading pig genetics business in the country. Customers can rest assured that JSR Genetics will remain committed to deliver the same high level of genetic improvement and service that has historically been achieved.”