According to Stuff.co.nz, co-owner Linda McCallum-Jackson said the company was relocating its processing operations to Dunedin.

"It is part of our succession planning," she said.

"Ian and I had always planned to hand over to our son, Cain, and now is the time. Cain has been running our farmers' market stand in Dunedin for some time.

"We have secured some great premises for our processing operations and all the equipment will be shifted over the weekend."

Havoc Pork employed six people at Waimate and all six were offered jobs in Dunedin, Mrs McCallum-Jackson said.

"Three of our staff are coming with us which is great news. The pigs are staying at the Hunter Hills farm and we will continue to have our online order service and our stand at the Otago Farmers' Market in Dunedin.

"We will also be back at the Timaru Farmers' Market once the shift south has been completed."

Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley said it was a shame to lose a business.

"It is never good for the local economy but I wish them well in their future endeavours," he said.

Havoc Pork farms about 800 free-range pigs at its Hunter Hills operation, and processes them into various products including hams, sausages and bacon.

In 2011, Havoc Pork won three awards at the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Hospitality and Tourism Awards: the Local Food Producer Award, the Sustainability Award and the Supreme Award.