Cranswick Anticipates Strong Full-Year Profits After Robust Q3 Trading

Cranswick (LON: CWK), a prominent UK food producer, has announced strong revenue growth for the 13 weeks leading up to December 27, 2025.

This positive momentum, driven by a record Christmas trading period, has led the company to anticipate full-year adjusted profit before tax to be towards the upper end of current market expectations.

December sales surpassed the figures from the previous year, fueled by exceptional performance across Fresh Pork, Convenience, and Gourmet festive product ranges.

Premium added-value ranges, including center of plate products and festive grazing platters, were particularly successful. Cranswick attributed this success to excellent service levels and innovative new product launches in collaboration with key strategic retail partners.

The recent acquisitions of Blakemans, JSR Genetics, and the Fridaythorpe feed mill continue to exceed initial expectations, contributing positively to the company's overall performance. Poultry revenue experienced significant growth, driven by stronger fresh poultry pricing reflecting enhanced welfare standards, lower stocking densities, and onboarding of premium retail business at the Cooked and Prepared Poultry sites.

Pet Products revenue demonstrated strong growth, bolstered by the expanding relationship with Pets at Home through the addition of premium lines.

Cranswick's ongoing capital investment program remains a priority, aimed at enhancing the company's industry-leading asset base and supporting future growth. Capital expenditure for the full year is now expected to be in the range of £160 – 170 million, a slight decrease from previous guidance due to project timing.

Net debt increased during the period, as anticipated, reflecting the ongoing capital investment program and seasonal working capital increases. However, the Group maintains a robust financial position, supported by committed, unsecured facilities of £360 million, providing ample headroom for future growth and investment.

Demand for Cranswick's premium pork and poultry products remains strong, reflecting consumer preferences for high-quality, healthy, and nutritious food options. The Board expressed confidence in the company's strategic progress and its ability to leverage its core strengths, including customer relationships, product quality, industry-leading infrastructure, and robust financial position, to support further development.

The company's next scheduled trading update will be the preliminary results announcement for the 52 weeks ending March 28, 2026, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Adam Couch, CEO of Cranswick, commented: “We have delivered another strong quarter of growth underpinned by revenue growth across all product categories and a record Christmas trading period. This excellent performance is the result of our unrelenting focus on delivering outstanding service levels, sector leading innovation and unrivalled product quality across our festive product range for our customers.”