Cranswick reports 'positive' start to year as it grows flagship Hull site
The food producer Cranswick has reported a positive start to the financial year as it continues to expand its flagship Hull pork primary processing site.
Adam Couch, the CEO of Cranswick, said the group had delivered volume-led revenue growth across the business. Reported revenue in the 13 weeks to 27 June 2026 was 5.5 per cent ahead of the same period last year driven by strong volume growth of 8.2 per cent, Cranswick said. Like-for-like revenue was 4.0 per cent higher than the same period last year, with corresponding volumes up 6.4 per cent, as the benefit of lower input prices was passed on to the group’s customers.
The statement added: “Growth reflected robust demand across our core product portfolio, driven by the UK consumers’ growing prioritisation of a healthy, protein rich and nutritionally balanced diet.”
Mr Couch added: "We continue to support our strategic partners by providing excellent service levels, alongside unrivalled product quality and innovation. Our poultry business is growing strongly and the significant investment we are making in our Eye facility will create the headroom for further expansion in this exciting category. Our continued compounding growth reflects the increasing competitive advantage of our vertically integrated supply chain and record capital deployment across our asset base to increase capacity, add capability, drive efficiencies and deliver strong returns.”
Poultry revenue grew strongly driven by continued strong retail demand for Fresh Poultry, facilitated by capacity expansion, Cranswick said.
The trading statement added: “Domestic fresh pork revenue was ahead of the prior year period, underpinned by double digit retail volume growth. Export revenue was lower year on year, reflecting subdued demand from China and other global markets and certain products being redirected into the UK wholesale trade.”
Convenience and gourmet products revenues were up year-on-year with particularly strong houmous and dips revenue growth following new retail listings at its Worsley facility, the statement said.
The statement added: “Pet Products revenue was well ahead of the same period last year, reflecting the ongoing expansion of our relationship with Pets at Home. We continue to invest at pace across our asset base to support future growth and drive further operating efficiencies. Delivery of major capital projects is progressing in line with expectations, including the further 25 per cent increase in capacity at the Eye fresh poultry facility and the multi-phased expansion of the flagship Hull pork primary processing site.”
The statement added: “During the period we formed a joint venture partnership with the founders and existing management of The Jolly Hog Group Limited. Brothers Max, Olly and Josh Kohn will continue to be responsible for leading the brand. The Jolly Hog supplies a premium range of sausage, bacon, cooked meats and other complementary products. The Bristol-based business has a strong presence in retail and food service channels.”
Cranswick said it remained in a robust financial position with committed, unsecured facilities of £360 million providing “comfortable headroom”.
Commenting on outlook, Cranswick said: “Whilst we remain mindful of the potential for disruption arising from conflict in the Middle East and the changing domestic political landscape, our outlook for the current financial year ending 27 March 2027, remains in line with current market expectations.”