Pilgrim’s Europe is marking 100 years of food production at its Ruskington site in Lincolnshire, celebrating a century of change, growth and manufacturing heritage.

The site first opened in 1926 as a bacon production co-operative and has since evolved through several generations of ownership and food production. It was later run by the Brighton family as Ruskington Foods, producing pies and plum bread, before being acquired by George Adams & Sons in 1969.

Over time, the site’s focus shifted towards the snacking products it is known for today. Now part of Pilgrim’s Europe, Ruskington is its specialist snacking site, producing a range of products including Scotch eggs, cocktail sausages, mini chicken-filled bites and seasonal lines for major UK retailers.

The site has continued to adapt to changing tastes and customer needs while retaining its specialist food manufacturing expertise. This included an £8 million investment in 2015 to expand Scotch egg and cocktail sausage production, increasing capacity by 25% and making Ruskington the UK’s largest facility of its kind at the time.

Celebrating 100 years of business at Pilgrim Foods in Ruskington

placeholder image — Celebrating 100 years of business at Pilgrim Foods in Ruskington

The anniversary was marked with BBQ celebrations across a number of shifts, giving colleagues from across the site the chance to come together and recognise the people, memories and milestones that have shaped Ruskington over the past century. The occasion was also an opportunity to recognise long-serving colleagues and thank them for their contribution to the site, including Jane Rickells and Chris Jones, who are marking 29 and 26 years of service respectively this year.

Chris Jarvis, Site Director at Pilgrim’s Europe Ruskington, said: “Reaching our 100th anniversary is a hugely proud moment for everyone at Ruskington. There is so much history connected to the site, but what really stands out is the contribution people have made to it over so many years.

“Generations of colleagues have helped Ruskington grow and adapt, while maintaining the knowledge and expertise that continues to define the site today. This milestone gave us a chance to celebrate that history together and recognise everyone who has played a part in it.”

Ruskington now begins its second century with a strong heritage behind it and a continued role in producing ‘standout snacking products’.