What Kepak does

Kepak Group is an Irish family-owned food company founded in 1966, headquartered in Clonee, Co. Meath, operating 12 manufacturing facilities across Ireland and the United Kingdom with more than 3,500 employees and disclosed turnover of approximately €1.5bn. The company runs four business pillars: Fresh Meat (beef, lamb, and pork processing for retail and foodservice), Foodservice (on-trend solutions and ready-for-market convenience foods for restaurants, hotels, and QSR operators), Consumer Foods (branded ready meals such as Rustlers, Big Al's, and Meatless Maverick), and Global Trading via AgraKepak, its export division active since 2016 in markets including China, the wider Far East, and Australasia. Kepak processes roughly 16% of Ireland's national beef kill, 20% of its lamb kill, and 12% of its pork kill, and supplies exclusive branded ranges to Tesco (Bright Meat Company), SuperValu (Irish Wagyu), and Musgrave Marketplace (Butcher Prime Certified Irish Angus).

The company's commercial model is built on integrated producer programmes that lock in supply and differentiate the end product: Twenty20 Beef Club (a calf-to-beef scheme co-developed with Tirlán), the Certified Irish Angus alliance since 1997, and a new Irish Wagyu programme jointly investing €2.4m with farmers. It works with 17,000-21,000 Quality Assured farmers and operates across the value chain from livestock procurement through primary processing, value-added manufacturing, branded retail products, and international export. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales to major grocery and foodservice accounts with branded channels (own-label and licensed counter service via McIntosh Donald butcher shops), wholesale through Musgrave Marketplace, and direct export via AgraKepak's Shanghai office.

Sustainability and brand integrity are central to Kepak's positioning: it holds Origin Green Gold Membership and has set a Net-Zero 2050 target aligned with SBTi, achieved a 61% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions at its Merthyr site since 2018, secured €15m for ActionZero EscoPod heat pump decarbonisation across its sites, and launched the Carbon Trust-verified Bright Meat Company range — the first beef range in Ireland independently verified across every product. Recent M&A includes McCarren Meats (Cavan, 2013), the Merthyr Tydfil site (2018), New World Foods Europe/Meat Snacks Group (2023, acquired from Valeo Foods), and Summit Foods (2024).

Name

Kepak

Legal name

Kepak Group

Website

https://kepak.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Kepak is a family-owned Irish meat processor and branded food company operating 12 manufacturing facilities across Ireland and the UK with €1.5bn in turnover, serving retail chains (Tesco, SuperValu, Musgrave), foodservice operators, and international markets through fresh meat, branded consumer foods, and AgraKepak global trading.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Meat Processing

NAICS

Animal Slaughtering and Processing (3116), Animal (except Poultry) Slaughtering (311611), Other Food Manufacturing (3119)

SIC

Meat Packing Plants (2011), Sausages & Other Prepared Meat Products (2013), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Cooked & RTE Processed Meats (Roasts, Meatloaf, Sliced RTE) (AFANAEAF)

Keywords

• Meat processing
• Fresh meat supply
• Foodservice solutions
• Consumer convenience foods
• Global meat trading

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fresh Meat: Primary revenue stream from processing and selling prime cuts of beef, lamb, and pork to retail and foodservice customers. Includes premium brands like Hereford Beef, Black Angus, and Celtic Beef.
2. Foodservice Solutions: On-trend foodservice solutions and ready-for-market convenience foods for restaurants, hotels, and household foodservice names.
3. Consumer Foods/Value-Added: Ready-for-market convenience foods and chilled ready meals under brands like Rustlers (£111.6m brand), Big Al's, and Deli Delicious. Includes meat mimicking products like Meatless Maverick.
4. Global Trading (AgraKepak): Export and trading division supplying meat and fish products to markets outside the European Union, including China, Asia, Australasia. Includes €35m five-year distribution contract with Esen Agro Group in China.
5. Specialty Beef Programmes: Premium integrated beef programmes including Twenty20 Beef Club (dairy-to-beef), Certified Irish Angus, Wagyu beef programmes, and Hereford beef. These provide guaranteed market access and premium pricing for farmers while delivering differentiated products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Kepak processes and supplies fresh beef, lamb, and pork cuts, value-added foodservice solutions and ready-for-market convenience foods to retailers, foodservice operators, and international markets. The company operates under multiple consumer and premium brands (Rustlers, Big Al's, Celtic Beef, John Stone, McIntosh Donald, Black Angus, Hereford Beef, McCarren) and runs integrated supply programmes such as Twenty20 Beef Club, Bright Meat Company, and Irish Wagyu.

Product overview

Kepak is an Irish-based food company operating as a multi-brand meat and protein business with over 50 years of expertise. The company offers a diverse portfolio spanning fresh meat (beef, lamb, pork), foodservice solutions, and consumer convenience foods through multiple consumer-facing brands. Key brands include Rustlers (chilled ready meals), Big Al's, Celtic Beef, John Stone, McIntosh Donald (Scottish operations), Watergrass Hill, and premium beef programmes including Black Angus, Hereford Beef, and Le Boucher Irlandais. The company operates the Twenty20 Beef Club integrated calf-to-beef programme with Tirlán, producing the Carbon Trust-verified Bright Meat Company lower-carbon beef range exclusive to Tesco, and the Irish Wagyu Beef programme with SuperValu. McCarren Meat handles pork and bacon processing. The foodservice division includes Deli Delicious, Goldstar, and Goode & Tucker food-to-go concepts. The company's global trading division, AgraKepak, serves markets outside the EU including China. Operations span 12 manufacturing facilities across Ireland and the UK with over 3,500 employees and €1.5bn turnover.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rustlers: Chilled ready meals brand, £111.6m brand serving UK market
• Big Al's
• Celtic Beef
• John Stone
• McIntosh Donald
• McCarren
• Black Angus
• Hereford Beef
• Deli Delicious
• Goldstar
• Feasters
• Stript Snacks
• Bright Meat Company
• Irish Wagyu

Products and services

• Rustlers

Quantifiable outcome

• 14-23% lower carbon footprint for Bright Meat Company beef verified by Carbon Trust
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• Animal Health Ireland (AHI)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026Collaborating with Teagasc and Twenty20 Beef Club to deliver Summer CalfCare series on farms in Louth and Kildare, focusing on calf health, summer scour, and performance at grazing.
• Tesco IrelandcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 May 2026Partnership to launch Bright Meat Company - Ireland's first verified lower-carbon beef range with Carbon Trust verification, 14-23% lower carbon footprint than equivalent Irish beef. Available exclusively in Tesco stores and online.
• SuperValucoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 May 2026Launched Ireland's first fully integrated Irish Wagyu beef supply chain through combined investment of €2.4 million across genetics, farmer support, and specialised feeding systems. Programme supports 150 farmers (growing to 320 by 2027).
• MusgravecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 April 2026Joint Young Farmer Forum partnership bringing together next generation of farmers from across Ireland. Includes supply chain learning visits across SuperValu and Musgrave Marketplace, international best practice including visit to Sommet de l'Élevage in France.
• Munster BovineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Organised information evenings to educate farmers about Wagyu beef breeding, financial incentives, and panel discussions.
• MSD Animal HealthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Partner in Wagyu breeding information evenings, providing expertise on animal health aspects of Wagyu beef production.
• Royal Welsh Agricultural SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025Collaboration at Welsh Winter Fair for Young Farmer Forum launch in Wales, bringing together young beef and sheep farmers.
• Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 December 2021€250,000 culinary science-driven innovation partnership establishing research team focused on meat optimisation, sustainability, packaging, health, and nutrition. Includes part-time PhD student dedicated to research, growing to 4 PhD students.
• ActionZerocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2021€15 million Green Partnership with ActionZero to deploy EscoPod heat pump system across Kepak sites. Initial project at Athleague worth €2.3m with target of over 90% carbon reduction and elimination of nearly 3,000 tonnes CO2 annually.
• Esen Agro Group (China)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2018Five-year distribution contract valued at €35 million for distribution of Irish pork and beef products in China. State-owned food company.
• TirláncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwenty20 Beef Club is a fully integrated Calf-to-Beef Programme developed by Tirlán and Kepak. The objective is to sustainably produce and market Irish heifer, steer and bull beef at a premium price. The programme uses leading genetics, shorter supply chains, and technical support to deliver sustainability both financially and environmentally for farmers.
• NexerstrategicTechnology or IntegrationTwo-year strategic partnership to support Kepak's modernisation of legacy applications and provide foundations for long-term growth using Microsoft Dynamics 365 technology. Functions include finance, stock management, production, and sales.
• Meat Technology Ireland ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-funded commitment of more than €6m from industry members (ABP Food Group, Ashbourne Meat Processors, Dawn Meats, Kepak, Liffey Meats, and Hilton Foods) and more than €13m from Enterprise Ireland. Projected ROI of €8 per €1 invested by 2030.
• Certified Irish Angus Producer GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing processing and marketing alliance since 1997 for Certified Irish Angus beef. Triple check and DNA sample testing to ensure highest quality 100% Black Irish Angus beef.
• Carbon TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent verification of carbon product footprint for Bright Meat Company range, verified at 14-23% lower than equivalent Irish beef products. First beef range in Ireland to achieve Carbon Trust verification across every product.
• UK Soy ManifestominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKepak is member of UK Soy Manifesto and works with farmers, customers and stakeholders to support transition to deforestation and conversion free sourcing by end of 2025.
• Certified Irish AnguscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Schools Competition connecting second-level students with agri-food sector. Competition won Best Student Experience at Education Awards 2026.
• Merthyr Tydfil Biodiversity PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for planting 10,000 trees across three acres at Merthyr site as part of Earth Day celebrations.
• TeagasccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple collaborations including Meat Matters event, Knowledge Transfer events, Summer CalfCare series, and farm walk partnerships for sustainability and innovation.
• Mountbellew Agricultural CollegestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Young Farmer Forum launched at Mountbellew College, reflecting strong focus on skills and education in agricultural sector.
• Sommet de l'ÉlevageminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoung Farmer Forum participants visit international best practice including the Sommet de l'Élevage Livestock Show in France.
• Bord BiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrigin Green programme membership; support for sustainability initiatives; sponsorship of World Steak Challenge; lamb and beef quality assurance programmes.
• SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKepak maintains ongoing membership to SEDEX strengthening supplier index and best practices in ethical supply chain management.
• Stronger TogetherminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining programme included in UK site inductions to combat modern slavery and forced labour in supply chains.
• Bord Bia, Red Tractor, FAWL, QMScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent assurance schemes that Kepak works with to ensure high animal welfare standards on every farm in their supply chain.
• Valeo Foods GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAcquired Meat Snacks Group Limited from Valeo Foods Group, strengthening Kepak's presence in ambient snacking market.

Scale indicators24 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ABP Food Group: One of Europe's largest privately held beef and protein processors, headquartered in Ireland with significant UK operations. Co-member of Meat Technology Ireland consortium with Kepak, directly comparable by geography, protein mix (beef/lamb), and integrated livestock-to-consumer model.
• Dawn Meats: Irish-founded, family-owned meat processor specializing in beef and lamb with extensive UK and European footprint. Direct competitor across primary processing and premium retail ranges (e.g., exclusive Tesco and other retailer programmes), co-member of Meat Technology Ireland alongside Kepak.
• Liffey Meats: Irish beef processor supplying retail and foodservice channels across Ireland and Europe. Comparable to Kepak in primary beef processing capacity, supplier farmer base, and premium branded programmes; co-member of Meat Technology Ireland.
• Hilton Foods: UK-listed multi-protein (beef, pork, seafood, poultry) co-packing and foodservice supplier serving major European grocers. Comparable to Kepak Foods Division in branded retail protein products and foodservice solutions; co-member of Meat Technology Ireland.
• Moy Park: Northern Ireland-based poultry and prepared foods processor (Pilgrim's Pride owned) serving UK and Ireland retail and foodservice. Comparable to Kepak in Irish/UK geography, retail private-label and branded programmes, and value-added prepared foods capability.
• Cranswick: UK-listed integrated pork and premium prepared foods manufacturer with own pig farming, processing, and value-added products serving major UK grocers. Comparable to Kepak by UK foodservice/retail scale, premium pork programmes, and category leadership in British bacon/ready-to-cook.
• 2 Sisters Food Group: UK's largest food manufacturer producing chicken, ready meals, pies and sandwiches for major retailers including Tesco. Directly comparable to Kepak in UK convenience/ready-meal manufacturing scale, private-label capability, and B2B retail relationships.
• Tulip Ltd: UK's largest pork processor (Pilgrim's Pride owned) supplying retail, foodservice and manufacturing channels across Britain. Comparable to Kepak McCarren (Cavan) on pork/bacon integration, scale, and UK retail private-label programmes.
• Karro Food Group: UK pork processor with cooked and cured meats capability serving retail and foodservice. Comparable to Kepak's UK pork and prepared meats activities, including bacon curing, sliced meats, and foodservice solutions.

Broad incumbents

• Kerry Group: Irish-listed global food and ingredients company (taste & nutrition, dairy, meat alternatives) with Irish heritage. Broad incumbent rather than direct meat-only peer, but comparable scale in Irish/UK branded foods and overlapping retail customer base (Tesco, SuperValu, Musgrave).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/kepakgroup
• Xx.com/kepakgroup

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kepak