About Us
Established in 1922, with over 100 years and five generations of success behind it, the Buitelaar Group specialises in providing sustainable, higher welfare beef supply chain solutions.
The business, as it is today, was built from the ground up by CEO, Adam Buitelaar, who is particularly passionate for helping generate sustainable futures for the coming generations of family farmers. This passion has seen the Buitelaar Group become a highly influential voice in our industry and an advocate for knowledge transfer across cattle farming.
Furthermore, by working in partnership with family farmers, we are committed to producing excellent, higher-welfare pork that is farmed symbiotically with nature. Bred for superior eating quality, our pigs are farmed within circular systems, with feed produced onsite and farmyard manure incorporated back into the arable land, strengthening key ecosystems
The Buitelaar’s passion has governed the development of a strong and enthusiastic team whom all share the same core family values that set us apart as a conscientious leader in cattle integration. Our unique attributes, expertise, and proven track record of delivery across the chain and all supporting divisions ensures superior end products, excellent quality customer service and the confidence of a trusted and traceable farming connection.
Having seen rapid expansion into Europe, our Head Office remains nestled in Ireland’s County Kildare countryside, not far from Adam and Clare Buitelaar’s family home. This strong growth over the years, has led to further diversification through maximising the value of the chain’s by-products. This includes the development of our pet food, raw materials and hides and skins divisions across European offices.
Our longevity and award-winning reputation are highly reflective of our innovative and forward-thinking approach to all aspects of the chain, in addition to the importance we place on supporting the supplying farmer and simultaneously delivering value to the end user.
Our Awards
We are proud of the recognition we have received for our commitment to the highest possible welfare standards in our supply chain which aids our goal of delivering a top-quality finished product to our customers.
TWO STAR
Great Taste Awards 2023
THREE STAR
Great Taste Awards 2023
BEST BEEF PRODUCT
Meat Management Awards 2022
BEST RED MEAT PRODUCT
Meat Management Awards 2022
SILVER AWARD
The World Steak Challenge 2022
The Good Calf Award
Compassion in world farming awarded to Morrisons / Buitelaar supply chain 2020
Dairy Ambassador of the Year
The Cream Awards 2019
Meat Industry Awards 2019
Meat Management Industry Awards 2019
The Good Calf Award
Compassion In World Farming Awarded To Morrisons / Buitelaar Supply Chain 2019
Supermarket Supply Chain Partnership of the Year
The Grocer Supermeat & Fish Awards 2018
Our Team
Joe Mannion
Managing Director
Joe Mannion joined Buitelaar Group in 2021 as Group Managing Director, following a 14-year career with Morrisons PLC, where he worked his way up to Category Director for Meat and Livestock. With extensive industry experience, Joe is committed to delivering practical, results-driven solutions for customers, suppliers, and partners throughout the supply chain.
Adam Buitelaar
CEO
Adam Buitelaar became CEO in 2021, after over two decades working in the Group. With a career grounded in end-to-end livestock and meat supply chain expertise, he is passionate for driving sustainable and commercially resilient farming systems. Adam’s focus is on steering business direction and growth.
Clare Buitelaar
Director
Clare Buitelaar is a Director of The Buitelaar Group with 25+ years’ experience in finance, governance and strategic oversight. A Chartered Accountant who began at KPMG, leading the Group’s finance function until 2018. Alongside her ongoing finance role, she supports strategic planning, project evaluation and operational improvement, helping drive organisational efficiency and sustainable growth.
James Buitelaar
Managing Director of Buitelaar Foods
James Buitelaar, MD of Buitelaar Foods, joined the Buitelaar Group in 2016. He brings deep sector expertise, strong commercial awareness, and a customer-focused approach, driving effective growth strategies across the meat and pet sector.
Mike Van Den Ende
Managing Director of Buitelaar NL
Mike van den Ende established Buitelaar NL in 2019, drawing on extensive poultry-industry sales experience. Working with his growing, dedicated team, he focuses on building long-term relationships founded on trust and a hands-on approach. Mike is committed to ensuring high satisfaction for customers and suppliers through quality, reliability, and strong partnerships.
Padraig Blake
Livestock Director, UK & Ireland
Padraig Blake joined Buitelaar in 2000 as a livestock buyer and has since played an integral role in the company’s growth. Working closely with Adam Buitelaar, Padraig has been instrumental in the development and expansion of Buitelaar’s sustainable calf-to-beef supply chain. He takes great pride in contributing to the company’s achievements in delivering a consistently high-quality end product.
Michael Sheahan
Director of Animal Health & Welfare and Regulatory Affairs
Michael joins Buitelaar after a distinguished 3 decade career, including 8 years as Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. His extensive expertise in veterinary science, regulatory affairs and animal health policy positions him to support Buitelaar’s ambition to set new standards in responsible, future-focused farming.
Jane Braithwaite
Business Unit Manager
With nearly two decades of experience across the meat, dairy and pet food sectors, Jane is an accomplished Business Unit Manager. Jane joined Buitelaar in 2022 to lead the Foods Team, bringing a strong commercial mindset and collaborative approach, with a commitment to delivering sustainable growth, innovative solutions and long-term partnerships across the industry.
Annabel Palmer
Head of Group Marketing
Annabel Palmer joined the Group in 2020 and now heads up Group Brand & Marketing. Drawing on commercial and industry insight, she drives the Group’s brand strategy and marketing performance. Annabel is focused on enhancing the Group’s market presence, supporting customer needs and driving long-term brand and business growth.
Oliver King
Head of Group Meat Sales
Prior to university, Oliver completed his work experience in Buitelaar’s livestock department in Ireland. Following his degree and time in industry becoming a Chartered Surveyor, Oliver re-joined Buitelaar permanently in 2013 in the UK Meat Team. After more than a decade with the company, Oliver’s role is now Head of Group Meat Sales, overseeing the UK pork and beef production and sales.
