Sofina Foods expands footprint with Finnebrogue acquisition, adding 1,200 jobs and plant-based range

Sofina Foods has confirmed the acquisition of Finnebrogue, marking another step in the Canadian-owned company’s ambitious growth strategy and expanding its presence in the UK and European markets. The deal sees Sofina take over the family-owned Finnebrogue business, which employs around 1,200 people across four advanced production sites in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Established in 1991, Finnebrogue has become known for its broad portfolio of food products, ranging from outdoor-bred pork, sausages, rashers and ham to a growing line of plant-based alternatives. The company has picked up numerous awards over the years for both its innovation and quality standards.

Sofina Foods Europe, which already operates as a significant supplier of branded and own-label seafood and pork products, now counts more than 9,000 employees across 27 sites following the acquisition.

Michael Latifi, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Sofina Foods, said the deal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to building a robust and diverse food business. “This acquisition will allow Sofina Foods to continue our journey of ambitious expansion. We have created a global foundation for continued growth, with a history of excellence in food production and processing spanning over 30 years,” Latifi said. “Both Sofina Foods and Finnebrogue share a common culture of excellence, discipline and integrity and I look forward to building on the strengths of both companies.”

Ash Amirahmadi, CEO of Sofina Foods Europe, highlighted the strategic fit of the new addition to the group. “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,” he said. “I look forward to welcoming everyone at Finnebrogue to the Sofina Foods family and drawing upon the significant expertise that exists across both businesses.”

The acquisition comes at a time of heightened consumer interest in both high-quality traditional meats and innovative plant-based options. Finnebrogue’s diverse product line and reputation for quality and innovation are expected to complement Sofina’s existing network and broaden its offerings for customers across the UK and mainland Europe.

Roger Burnley CBE, Chair of Finnebrogue, expressed confidence about the company’s future under new ownership. “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, whose purpose-driven values align closely with our own, unlocking new opportunities for our people, our products and our customers,” Burnley said.

Burnley also paid tribute to the founding family and the workforce that has driven Finnebrogue’s rise over the past three decades. “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,” he said.

Christine Lynn, who co-founded Finnebrogue alongside her late husband Denis Lynn, reflected on the company’s journey and the significance of the transition. “My late husband Denis and I started Finnebrogue Venison in December 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,” Lynn said.

She added that the decision to sell came after considerable reflection. “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.”