"Biovela Group to become a vertically integrated business: agreement signed to acquire UAB Idavang

Biovela Group, the largest meat processing group in the Baltics, announces that it has signed an agreement on the acquisition of a controlling stake in UAB Idavang, which operates modern pig breeding complexes in Lithuania. The Group aims to create a vertically integrated business model - from livestock production to the final product.

"This strategy is in line with clear global trends in the food industry - market leaders around the world are consolidating production processes to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability. This model is a prerequisite not only to remain a leading player on the local market, but also to compete successfully on an international scale," says Audrius Kantauskas, Chairman of the Board of Biovela Group.

Strategic national demand and benefits for consumers

Pork is the most popular type of meat in Lithuania and many European countries. The average Lithuanian consumes about 50 kg of pork a year, but today we only produce about 45% of our own needs. In 2004, the figure was 78%, which is now one of the lowest in the EU. Our Polish neighbours, for example, consume a similar amount of pork on average, but their self-sufficiency rate is between 85-90%. This significant import dependency of Lithuania increases supply risks, especially in the face of price and geopolitical volatility.

"Biovela Group's acquisition of Idavang aims to strengthen the entire value chain, reduce the influence of external factors and promote the growth of locally sourced raw material.

"This is an investment not only in the long-term sustainability of the company and the sector, but also in ensuring the country's strategic needs and security. We believe that by combining our processing expertise with Idavang's experience in livestock farming, we will not only be able to offer more Lithuanian pork, but also to better meet the expectations of consumers and customers - to provide products characterised by consistent quality management, responsible sourcing and transparency throughout the entire farm-to-table journey," says Audrius Kantauskas, Chairman of the Board of Biovela Group.

Strengthening competitiveness and a shared vision for the development of the pig sector

Since joining the EU, the number of pigs kept in Lithuania has fallen from more than one million animals to less than 500 000. No new farms are being set up and the number of new farms is constantly decreasing. Paradoxically, some of the pigs produced go abroad - for example, up to 200 000 live pigs a year are exported to Poland and Latvia alone. Such trends exacerbate the imbalance between supply and demand.

"Both Lithuanian and Baltic meat processing companies cannot compete on an equal footing with the largest Polish and Western European producers. The latter have long operated on a vertically integrated model that allows them to achieve economies of scale and greater efficiency in managing the entire process - feed production, breeding, rearing and processing. This reduces costs and ensures more stable quality control, which is why the Polish market has been thriving over the last decade. To be competitive in Lithuania and other markets, we need to move in the same direction - to build up more capacity for production and raw material cultivation. This acquisition is therefore the foundation for strengthening the resilience of the sector and restoring export potential in the long term," says Žilvinas Lenktaitis, CEO of Biovela Group.

"Idavang is the largest pig farmer in the Baltic States, operating according to the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity and modern animal husbandry. Consistent investment has earned it the trust of the market and it is valued for its quality production. Claus Baltsersen, the founder and Chairman of the Board, will remain a shareholder in the company and will continue to work with the team he has assembled.

"We have built a strong, quality-driven business, and the new shareholder will give us the energy and resources we need to expand further. I want to emphasise to all our employees and partners the most important thing: nothing will change in our daily lives. The management of the farm will remain under the responsibility of our long-standing team, as our new partners have full confidence in our expertise. However, by becoming part of a common chain, we will not only ensure maximum traceability from the farm itself, but we will also have the resources to expand our production capacity in response to the country's strategic need for local produce," says Claus Baltsersen, Chairman of the Board of Idavang.

"We share a common approach to responsibility, quality and the sustainable development of the pig sector, so this step is a natural continuation of a long-standing cooperation. Together we want to grow faster, expand our network of modern farms and grow our pig herd. We will also strive to increase efficiency throughout the chain and develop various initiatives such as antibiotic-free pork. We believe that together we will create value not only for our customers, but also for the whole sector and the national economy," adds Žilvinas Lenktaitis, CEO of Biovela Group.

The transaction is subject to clearance by the Competition Authorities. Until then, both companies will operate as independent market players. Financial details of the transaction are not disclosed.

About Idavang

"Idavang is the largest pig farmer in the Baltics, operating 12 farms across the country and producing around 480 000 pigs annually. In 2025, the company had revenues of more than €80 million and exports to Poland and Latvia. The company employs around 400 people.