Premium Food Group Invests in The Family Butchers
In a strategic move designed to support stability and growth, German meat manufacturer Premium Food Group (PFG) has made a significant investment in The Family Butchers (TFB), a local business renowned for its sausage and ham products. While the exact sum of the investment remains undisclosed, it marks a pivotal development for TFB amidst a challenging economic landscape.
A recent statement from TFB highlighted the nature of this “strategic partnership,” emphasizing PFG’s role in stabilizing the company during a time of “extremely challenging economic conditions.” This partnership, subject to approval from the local antitrust authority, represents a proactive step toward securing TFB’s long-term viability and competitiveness.
An important aspect of this agreement involves TFB’s separation from InFamily Foods Holding. This will result in a significant restructuring of its current shareholding. PFG is set to acquire shares in TFB from Hans-Ewald Reinert, co-owner of InFamily Foods Holding. Reinert’s decision to exit the shareholder agreement is motivated by his desire to concentrate on InFamily Foods’ burgeoning vegan business and the management of the Reinert-Bärchen children’s sausage brand.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Kühnl, the other co-owner of InFamily Foods Holding, will maintain his stake in the group. Reports suggest that PFG aims to secure a 48.75% stake in TFB, whereas Kühnl plans to continue serving on TFB’s board, holding a 50% shareholding, thus ensuring continuity within the business’s leadership.
With this partnership, TFB stands to benefit significantly, notably in its long-term access to raw materials and regaining financial flexibility. Such measures are deemed critical for the revival and survival of the company, which has been experiencing considerable challenges. TFB acknowledges that the investment from PFG comes at a time when the food industry is undergoing substantial transformations. Challenges such as structural overcapacities, escalating costs, stringent regulatory requirements, and a general decline in meat consumption have compelled companies to adapt swiftly to survive.
PFG, following the deal, will continue to provide TFB with essential raw materials. However, TFB has been clear that it intends to maintain a diversified sourcing strategy and will not grant exclusivity to PFG, thus preserving open competition in the marketplace.
Contextually, the Federal Information Centre for Agriculture (BZL) offers insights into the German meat market. According to their recent 2025 Meat Market and Supply Situation report, pork remains the predominant choice in domestic meat consumption despite a noticeable decline over the years. In 2024, the per capita consumption of pork fell by 0.1 kg to 35.8 kg. Similarly, beef consumption saw a marginal decline, with per capita figures dropping by 0.1 kg to 11.6 kg. Conversely, poultry consumption saw an increase, with per capita consumption rising by 0.7 kg compared to 2023, reaching 20.6 kg.
This evolving consumer landscape reflects broader shifts in dietary preferences and highlights the importance of flexibility and innovation within the meat supply chain. PFG’s strategic realignment, following its rebranding from Tönnies Group in 2025, underscores its transition from a purely meat-centric business model to a broader food manufacturing approach, adapting to ever-changing market conditions and consumer demands.
The partnership between PFG and TFB embodies a forward-thinking approach to navigating the complexities of the contemporary food industry, ensuring both entities are well-placed to capitalize on future opportunities and mitigate inherent risks.
