Game On: Oakland Parks Opens the First Game Meat Processing Facility in 40 Years
Oakland Parks is set to process 40,000 deer carcasses and 300,000 birds annually, alongside a smaller volume of wild boar. However, Hayward is optimistic about expansion, as several suppliers have expressed interest in increasing their deer deliveries.
Less than a month into the hunting season, Oakland Parks is already operating at full capacity, efficiently processing deer, boar, and birds.
The intake freezer displayed an impressive selection of Red Deer, Sika Deer, and Wild Boar during our visit.
Oakland Parks immediately impresses with its adherence to the highest industry standards in game meat processing.
The facility is meticulously designed to ensure the highest quality and integrity in operations, which is crucial when handling wild meat. Separate processing flows for deer, boar, and birds further safeguard this integrity.
With over fifty years of experience as a hunter, butcher, and meat producer, Alan Hayward has designed Oakland Parks to address every challenge in game meat processing, integrating his extensive knowledge and innovative ideas.
Meat arrives daily from local and regional hunts and estates. Hayward insists on the highest quality standards, requiring all deer to be head-shot to ensure the carcasses remain pristine for optimal processing.
Birds are meticulously handled, separately from deer and boar, to prevent common issues like heat transfer, which can cause spoilage and ‘green meat.’ Oakland Parks mitigates these risks by storing birds on their backs in a single layer.
The cold chain is rigorously maintained, with intake and storage freezers capable of flash freezing to -30°C. Hanging rails throughout the facility facilitate the seamless transfer of carcasses.
At current capacity, Oakland Parks is set to process 40,000 deer carcasses and 300,000 birds annually, alongside a smaller volume of wild boar. However, Hayward is optimistic about expansion, as several suppliers have expressed interest in increasing their deer deliveries.
In just the first three weeks, the company has built a strong inventory and secured sales to buyers in the UK and Europe.
To expand its reach, especially in Europe, Oakland Parks has strategically partnered with MeatBorsa to list its products on their marketplace.
Products listed on MeatBorsa will be priced EXW (Ex Works), which is standard practice among meat wholesalers, though other INCOTERMS options are also available.
Expanding its buyer base will allow Oakland Parks to connect their premium products with markets in the UK, Europe, and beyond, laying a solid foundation for future growth.
We extend our best wishes to Oakland Parks in their endeavours to bolster the UK game meat industry and the communities it serves. We also warmly welcome their partnership with MeatBorsa.
For the latest game meat offerings from Oakland Parks, visit the Oakland Parks Shop on MeatBorsa.