VION UK receives Compassion in World Farming Leadership Award in Pig Welfare

7 | Jul | 2011

VION UK receives Leadership Award in Pig Welfare from Compassion in World Farming 

At the annual Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards ceremony, held in London on 6^th July, VION Food UK was presented with a Leadership Award in Pig Welfare.   

The award was made in recognition of VION UK’s Brydock pig farming operation ‘demonstrating that higher welfare for sows and pigs is possible in UK systems, and helping to pave the way for the industry to aim for a Good Pig Award when it is launched in 2012.’ 

Katy Read, Head of Food Business for CIWF commented: "Our winners are responsible for improving the lives of millions of farm animals in the UK and we look forward to working with our partners on our next challenge, the Good Pig Award next year.” 

As a major UK pig farmer, VION has made significant commitment to and investment in the enhancement of animal welfare. Significant recent developments include the introduction of the VION FarmingNet management system and ‘Happy Pigs’ farming programme. 

David Woolfall, Farming Director for VION UK’s Pork business unit, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of our team at VION Brydock, together with those farmers rearing and finishing our pigs, has been recognised by animal welfare experts. Looking after animals requires competence, consistency and dedication. Our team has delivered on all fronts, 52 weeks per year for the last 10 years in developing and operating this system, sometimes in the face of severe Scottish winter conditions. VION looks forward to working on future projects with the Food Business team at Compassion in World Farming.” 

VION Food Group Ltd, the UK arm of VION N.V., produces and processes high quality beef, lamb, pork, bacon and chicken as well as a wide range of convenience products such as sausages, cooked meats and added value cooked chicken. The UK operation has extensive facilities across the UK from farms and hatcheries to primary production, processing and packing, and supplies products according to customer and market demands. The business is primarily focused on the UK retail market but also includes important foodservice and wholesale clients within its portfolio. 

Note for the editors

For further information please contact:
Robert Smith, Group Communications Controller, VION Food Group Ltd

+44 (0)1506 400400

+44 (0)7785 502976

rob.smith@vionfood.com