Food and Beverage Business
Manufacturing

First game processing plant in the UK in 40 years now open

First game processing plant in the UK in 40 years now open 40 years, First, game processing plant, meat, NEW, Opens, Operations, poultry & seafood, UK Food and Beverage Business

A new 1,100m² facility in Hermitage, West Berkshire has opened to handle 40,000 deer carcasses a year of all species, along with 15,000 gamebirds a week during the season. The plant features an in-skin chilled store with a capacity of 300 carcasses, a skinning room, and a cutting room that will produce various venison products.

Venison sold by Oakland Park will be labeled by species, such as red, roe, and muntjac, rather than generic labels. The launch of the facility will be celebrated with an open day on 20 July. Eat Wild chief executive Louisa Clutterbuck expressed excitement about the new plant, stating that it will support the spread of awareness about the benefits of venison and feathered game.

The plant was developed by estate owner Seton Fairhurst in collaboration with stalker John Prince and business entrepreneur Alan Hayward, who has over 50 years of experience in the meat industry. John Prince emphasized the need to create a new market for game to ensure fair prices for quality game and carcasses.

The facility has committed to supporting the wild meat industry by donating £1.00 per carcass to Eat Wild. They aim to promote wild meat, secure new markets, and ensure sustainability in the game industry. Alan Hayward highlighted their focus on selling to major catering suppliers and providing a range of cuts and products like sausages, burgers, and meatballs.

As Oakland Park looks to expand into exports while serving individual stalkers, Welsh game has been suggested as a healthier, cost-effective option for hospitals and schools. Organizers of the Welsh Game Fair advocate for giving Welsh game equal billing alongside other common meats like chicken, beef, and lamb.

Related posts

Kronen CAP 350 Delivers Flawless Cutting Results for Cabbage

FAB Team

OSI Group Acquires UK Meat Processor

FAB Team

Ella Mills’ Plants Acquires Allplants Assets from Administration

FAB Team