French poultry leader LDC has acquired a majority stake in the UK-based duck enterprise Gressingham Foods, marking a significant move in the food and drink business.
This acquisition occurred through Green Label Holdings, managed by the Buchanan family, who have owned Gressingham Foods. LDC did not disclose the financial specifics or the percentage of the stake in its statement, referring to the transaction as a “strategic partnership.”
“This acquisition supports LDC’s international strategy by expanding its presence in the United Kingdom, alongside its Welsh subsidiary and European imports, enabling a broader offering to UK customers,” stated the French poultry supplier.
While duck is central to Green Label’s operations, the company also provides various poultry products under the Gressingham brand. Notably, Gressingham Foods manages its own farms, encompassing over 250,000 square meters, fulfilling about 50% of its poultry meat needs.
Founded in 1971 by Maurice and Miriam Buchanan, Gressingham Foods also offers turkey, goose, and guinea fowl. Based in Diss, Suffolk, the company serves major UK retailers and the foodservice sector. Currently, it is led by the second generation, William and Geoff Buchanan, who expressed enthusiasm about partnering with LDC.
They remarked, “We are delighted to partner with LDC as we continue to invest in our farming and manufacturing businesses to grow and develop the poultry markets in the UK. This is a proud moment for everyone at Gressingham, building on over 50 years of family values and tradition since our father Maurice started the business in 1971.”
LDC, also known as Lambert Dodard Chancereul, generates a robust turnover of €6.3 billion ($7.3 billion), with operations across 105 production sites in France, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Loué, Le Gaulois, Maître CoQ, and Doux.
Philippe Gelin, CEO of LDC, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction, stating, “The Buchanan family, the company, and LDC share strong, aligned values, and we are excited about the opportunities this will create for consumers, customers, and our farming partners. This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for all our stakeholders in the UK.”
LDC has expanded through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including recent deals for Groupe Routhiau, a French meat and plant-based business, and securing a majority stake in European Convenience Food, a supplier in Germany. It also acquired Pierre Martinet, a producer of salads and tabbouleh in the region, and the Konspol brand in Poland, alongside a factory in Nowy Sącz.
Entering the UK market in 2021, LDC initially acquired a majority stake in Capestone Organic Poultry, based in Wales. Meanwhile, Gressingham Foods struck a recent deal for Central Foods, a foodservice supplier in the UK.
Financial reports show that Green Label Holdings achieved a turnover of £188 million ($250 million) for the year ending February 28, an increase from £171 million the previous year. Operating profit rose to £21.8 million from £17.6 million, while net profit saw an increase from £12 million to £15.7 million.
The food and beverage industry trends clearly reflect a growing interest in poultry products, as companies like LDC and Gressingham Foods continue to adapt and invest in innovative solutions. For more insights into the food and drink consumer trends, check <ahref=”https://www.just-food.com/excellence-awards/featured-company/just-food-excellence-awards-2025-centric-software/”>here.
