UK – Cargill and Faccenda Foods, a UK based poultry processor, have agreed to establish a joint venture to create a leading food company focused on chicken, turkey and duck in the country.

In the deal, Cargill’s fresh chicken in the United Kingdom will also join Faccenda’s fresh chicken, turkey and duck business to form the new company as a stand-alone business.

Andy Dawkins, Managing Director for Faccenda Foods, will be appointed chief executive officer of the newly formed company while Chris Hall, fresh chicken director for Cargill Meats Europe, will be appointed chief commercial officer.

“We believe the two organizations are complementary. Combining into one entity allows us to build on our strengths, grow in the market and better serve our customers.

The venture will facilitate greater opportunities to innovate and deliver new and exciting poultry products for consumers,” explained Chris Langholz, President of Cargill Poultry.

“Both Cargill and Faccenda are recognized today by their customers for their high standards and great service.

The new joint venture confirms our long-term commitment to being a responsible partner across the entire supply chain, providing stability and security to our customers, suppliers and growers for years to come”, said Ian Faccenda, CEO of Faccenda Investments.

According to the companies, the merged busines will have the capability to respond to changing customer needs in the retail and food service sectors, with a strategy for growth while focusing on operational excellence and customer focused partnerships.

Cargill said it would continue its processes and sell cooked poultry products in the country as well as operate its poultry import, trading and distribution business.

It would also operate its European poultry businesses in France, Russia and the Netherlands, while Faccenda will retain its shareholding in Dartmouth Foods.

“This is an exciting time,” Faccenda added. “We are bringing together talented people from both businesses, with complementary values and expertise, and giving them the opportunity to develop and be successful in a new business with the capability to grow.”