ABP Food Group, based in Ardee, County Louth, has announced the closure of its packing facility in Northern Ireland due to ongoing challenges in the UK beef and lamb markets. This decision will result in the loss of 338 jobs at the Co. Tyrone site in Linden, located within the Granville Industrial Estate in Dungannon.
Despite this setback, ABP confirmed that a separate beef and lamb processing facility in Linden remains unaffected and will continue to operate normally, thereby protecting those jobs. Other Northern Ireland facilities, including those in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, and the Newry plant on the Co. Armagh and Co. Down border, also remain stable. Additionally, ABP’s Kettyle Irish Foods subsidiary in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, will continue its operations seamlessly.
The decision to close the Linden packing plant stems from the need to adapt to current trading conditions and market trends, as well as a strategic consolidation effort. ABP has initiated a formal consultation process with the affected workers, considering redeployment options at alternative ABP locations.
An ABP spokesperson stated, “This has been a very difficult step. But we are facing a challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb. Streamlining our operations is a necessity to achieve operational efficiencies, maintain our competitiveness and strengthen our business for the long term.”
Operating brands such as Scotch Prime and Surrey Farm beef, alongside the Dorest Crown lamb line, ABP generates an annual turnover of approximately €5 billion ($5.8 billion), supplying various retail, foodservice, and wholesale clients. The food and beverage industry continues to evolve, and ABP is making proactive adjustments to remain competitive.
In 2024, ABP successfully entered the South Korean beef market, previously establishing shipping channels to China. The company acquired full control of Linden Foods in 2021, having initially held a 50% stake since 2017.
Recent reports from Bord Bia indicated that meat and livestock exports surged by 18% to nearly €5 billion. However, the organization noted that tight cattle supplies across Ireland and key markets led to increased beef prices but reduced export volumes. Beef shipments exceeded €3.4 billion, marking a 24% increase year-on-year, although export volumes fell by 40,000 tonnes compared to the historical average.
Lamb exports have experienced a continued decline, decreasing by 10% in value, totaling €360 million, with volumes reaching their lowest point since 2016 due to reduced sheep numbers available for processing.
Despite the hurdles, the spokesperson assured, “ABP UK remains committed to Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector. We continue to focus on developing future opportunities for the sale of Northern Irish beef and lamb within the UK and further afield.” The company emphasizes its commitment to long-standing procurement partnerships with Northern Irish farmers, underscoring continuous investments in the sustainability of beef and lamb production in the region.