According to Portal Spożywczy, LFD Holding was founded in 2004 by Dutchman Adrianus Straathof. As reported by "Bauernzeitung", the entrepreneur, known in the industry as the "pig baron" (German: Schweinebaron), had to withdraw from pig farming in Germany in 2014 following a nationwide ban that was reportedly the result of repeated violations of animal welfare regulations. In 2020, the company was sold to Swiss company Terra Grundwerte AG. At the time, the group operated 11 locations, had approximately 55 thousand sow places, and 10 biogas plants.
In the following years, the scale of operations declined significantly. One of the most serious events was a farm fire in Alt Tellin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, in March 2021, in which approximately 50 thousand animals died. Further facilities were also sold later.
The company faces restructuring
According to the portal’s reports, Ralf-Uwe Stolarski will remain at the helm of LFD Holding. The proceedings are overseen by Rainer Bähr, a lawyer from Leipzig specializing in restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Creditors have until 9 November 2026 to file their claims.
In 17 November, the court is to decide together with the creditors on the further course of proceedings, including the possible preparation of a restructuring plan.
A loss of more than 2,5 million in one year
According to data cited by "Bauernzeitung", LFD Holding ended the financial year 2025 with a loss of 2,6 million euros. At the end of the year, the company's liabilities amounted to almost 3,9 million euros, and its equity had been completely depleted.
Source: Food Portal