IFA and ICSA concerned at merger of meat firms ABP and Slaney Foods

Farmer groups IFA and ICSA have raised competition concerns following ABP Foods’ acquisition of a 50% share in the Slaney Foods business in the Republic of Ireland.

ABP has agreed the joint venture with Linden Food Group for an undisclosed fee. If approved early next year by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the move will see ABP take control of more than a quarter of the Irish meat processing market.

Slaney Foods is comprised of the Slaney Foods International beef business and sheepmeat specialist Irish Country Meats. ICM processes c40% of Ireland’s total sheep kill.