The genetics have received increased international recognition for the flavourful meat and unique qualities.

HKScan is one of the leading food companies in Northern Europe, and now owns 100 per cent of Nordic Genetics as a result of the acquisition.

HKScan previously owned 71.5 per cent of Nordic Genetics indirectly via Finnpig in Finland and Quality Genetics in Sweden.

As a result of the purchase, the HKScan Group has exclusive rights to the NG Hampshire genetics owned by Nordic Genetics.

The Group will operate and streamline operations as an integrated part of its own activities. At the same time, HKScan and its international partner JSR Genetics in the UK have signed an LOI (Letter of Intent) regarding increased cooperation for the continued development of NG Hampshire genetics in both the Swedish and international markets.

"Both the agreement and partnership with JSR Genetics give us access to international expertise in genetics and even better opportunities to continue development that focuses on consumers, at the same time that we provide our breeders with excellent conditions for good animal well-being and profitable pork production," said Thomas Perkiö.

"NG Hampshire forms the genetic basis for the well-known Swedish pork Scan Piggham, which has won gastronomy awards for its excellent qualities. HKScan regards development as a long-term investment in the future, which will benefit all of the parties," Mr Perkiö added.

Development of HKScan's Rapeseed Pork concept, which is currently found in both Sweden and Finland, is another well-known and successful example of the Group's strategic product development.

Intensive breeding programmes focusing on flavour have been underway for 40 years to develop Swedish NG Hampshire genetics. Several research studies have also been performed, for example by the DMRI (Danish Meat Research Institute), which scientifically confirm that NG Hampshire produces juicier and tenderer pork.

The improved quality of meat is linked to a specific gene that has been bred naturally for a long period of time.

Since the beginning of the 2000s, pork based on NG Hampshire genetics has been sold by Sainsbury, a British chain, as their best premium meat.

The genetics are now moving out to the British countryside as a growing number of livestock producers are discovering the positive qualities of the Swedish sire breed NG Hampshire, which include healthy, sound animals with good growth and feed intake.