Exhibiting at HRC London 2025 (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering)

O.P.A.S. Soc. Coop. Agr., based in San Giorgio Bigarello, Italy, is one of Europe’s leading agricultural cooperatives in the pork production sector. As the originator of the EAT & THINK PINK campaign in the United Kingdom, O.P.A.S. promotes high-quality European pork through sustainable farming, advanced processing, and strategic branding initiatives.

Company History

Established in the early 1970s, O.P.A.S. (Organizzazione Produttori Allevatori Suini) has evolved into Italy’s largest pork producer cooperative. With over 100 affiliated farms and a vertically integrated supply chain, the cooperative was founded to consolidate pork production, enhance product quality, and boost the global competitiveness of Italian pig farming.

The EAT & THINK PINK UK campaign is part of a co-funded EU promotional program to introduce premium Italian pork to UK consumers, emphasizing health, taste, and sustainability.

Core Business

O.P.A.S. operates across the full pork value chain, offering:

• Pig farming coordination
• Slaughterhouse operations
• Meat processing and packaging
• Branding and international marketing

The cooperative model empowers member farmers while centralizing quality assurance, innovation, and market development.

Product and Service Offerings

O.P.A.S. offers a diverse range of pork products tailored to both retail and foodservice markets:

• Primary Cuts:

  • Fresh or frozen pork cuts for industrial processors, wholesalers, and distributors.
  • Includes pork shoulder, loin, ribs, and ham, produced under strict EU quality controls.

• Semi-Processed Meat:

  • Includes sausages, hamburgers, sliced meat, and minced pork.
  • Supplied in vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging for freshness.

• Tenderized & Ready-to-Eat Meals:

  • Products developed under the Eat Pink label.
  • Includes seasoned pork fillets, medallions, and marinated cuts suitable for convenience cooking.

All products meet EU traceability, animal welfare, and hygiene standards.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

O.P.A.S. differentiates itself through:

• Fully integrated supply chain: From breeding to retail-ready product.
• Sustainable farming practices: Aligned with EU environmental and animal welfare regulations.
• Transparency and traceability: Digital tracking systems across the production chain.
• Nutritional value: Pork promoted as a lean protein, rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Consumer education: Through the EAT & THINK PINK UK campaign, focused on healthy eating with pork.

Financials

As the largest pork cooperative in Italy, O.P.A.S. maintains strong financial performance. According to EU and Italian agricultural sector reports:

• Annual production of approximately 1.3 million pigs
• Processing volume of over 140,000 tons of pork annually
• Estimated cooperative revenue exceeds €300 million
• Exports represent over 30% of total production, including growth in UK, German, and Eastern European markets

Shipment and Export Records

O.P.A.S. is a key pork exporter in the European Union:

• Pork products exported to more than 10 countries, including the UK, Germany, Romania, and Poland.
• UK market entry via EAT & THINK PINK began with strong retail and foodservice engagement.
• Exports from Italy to the UK of O.P.A.S. pork have increased by 18% year-on-year since 2022.

Target Market

The cooperative's product lines serve:

• Supermarkets and grocery retailers
• Foodservice and catering providers
• Meat processors and industrial food producers
• Health-conscious consumers looking for high-quality lean meats

The EAT & THINK PINK UK campaign specifically targets UK households, chefs, and food retailers, promoting pork as a versatile and nutritious protein.

Capabilities

O.P.A.S. operates:

• Multiple modern slaughterhouses and processing plants with full EU certification.
• Cold chain logistics infrastructure for maintaining freshness across export distances.
• In-house R&D teams for new product development, packaging innovation, and sustainability strategies.
• Marketing and education departments leading campaigns across digital, retail, and trade events.

The organization continuously invests in automation, digitalization, and quality control systems.

Certifications and Compliance

O.P.A.S. adheres to multiple international and EU standards, including:

• IFS Food Certification
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management
• Animal Welfare EU Regulations
• EU Quality Schemes for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Italian Premium Meat labels on select ranges

The cooperative maintains a rigorous audit trail from farm to fork.

Customer Testimonials

“O.P.A.S. has transformed the way we source pork in the UK. Their commitment to consistency, transparency, and premium quality makes them a preferred partner.”
— UK Retail Buyer, European Meat Importer

“The Eat Pink line is perfect for modern consumers—high protein, low fat, and easy to cook. Our customers love the quality.”
— Product Manager, UK Food Retail Chain

Major Achievements

• Launched the “EAT & THINK PINK” campaign in the UK to increase awareness of high-quality EU pork.
• Recognized by EU agricultural bodies as a model cooperative for pork traceability and welfare.
• Developed a dedicated “Eat Pink” product line, now stocked by several UK retailers and restaurants.
• Increased exports to the UK and Northern Europe by over €25 million since the campaign launch.
• Partnered with Assocom, Franchi Salumi, and Unapros to expand cooperative marketing and product development.

O.P.A.S. continues to lead the European pork market through innovation, sustainability, and premium positioning—bringing the best of Italian meat tradition to international markets under the EAT & THINK PINK campaign.