'Time to pass the baton' - Finnebrogue sold to Canadian company

Downpatrick food manufacturer Finnebrogue has been sold to one of the largest Canadian owned food companies Sofina Foods.

Finnebrogue was set up by the Lynn family in 1991 and currently employs about 1,200 people across four facilities in County Down.

It produces meat products like sausages, bacon and ham, as well as plant-based alternatives.

Co-founder Finnebrogue Christine Lynn started the company with her late husband Denis.

She said: "With Denis's vision and innovation, the business grew into one of the leading food companies in Northern Ireland."

"In May 2021, my husband tragically died; from then on I have had the support and backing of the leadership team which Denis created, and I am so proud that Finnebrogue has continued to prosper and grow.

"But the time has now come for me to hand over the baton, and to do so to Sofina who I know will uphold Denis's legacy and take Finnebrogue on to its next chapter."

Sofina Foods and its subsidiaries have over 14,000 employees in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany and France.

CEO Sofina Foods Michael Latifi said: "This acquisition will allow Sofina Foods to continue our journey of ambitious expansion."

"Both Sofina Foods and Finnebrogue share a common culture of excellence, discipline and integrity and I look forward to building on the strengths of both companies," he added.