Hull-based meat processing and food products giant Cranswick plc said in a first-quarter trading update on Monday that reported revenue in the 13 weeks to June 27, 2026, was 5.5% ahead of the same period last year, driven by strong volume growth of 8.2%.
Cranswick said like-for-like revenue was 4% higher than the same period last year, with corresponding volumes up 6.4%, as the benefit of lower input prices was passed onto the group’s customers.
The Hull firm said: “Poultry revenue grew strongly driven by continued strong retail demand for Fresh Poultry, facilitated by capacity expansion at the Eye site, and the onboarding of premium retail business at the Cooked and Prepared Poultry sites.
“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 the Worsley facility. 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% increase in capacity at the Eye fresh poultry facility and the multi-phased expansion of the flagship Hull pork primary processing site.
“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.”
In its outlook, Cranswick said: “We have made a positive start to the year, delivering strong, volume-led revenue growth, and investment continues at pace across our asset base.
“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.
“The Board remains confident that continued focus on the strengths of the business, which include its diverse and longstanding customer base, breadth and quality of products, robust financial position and industry leading asset base will support the further successful development of Cranswick during the current year and over the longer term.”
Cranswick CEO Adam Couch said: “We have made a positive start to the year, delivering volume-led revenue growth across the business. 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.”