Cranswick sales edged up in the first quarter as “robust demand” across its core UK food categories continued.

In the 13 weeks to 29 June 2024, the UK food producer, which specialises in pork and chicken, saw sales rise 6.7% ahead of the same period last year.

Cranswick said this was driven by strong volume growth, while its premium product ranges performed “particularly well”.

Meanwhile, export sales volumes were also ahead, however these were offset by reduced pricing in the Far East and EU.

During the first quarter, the group completed the acquisition of a long-standing existing supplier of RSPCA Assured outdoor bred pigs based in East Anglia.

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These farms will be integrated into Cranswick’s Wayland Farms operation, further increasing its self-sufficiency in premium British pigs.

The food producer will continue to invest in its operations with the delivery of three ongoing earnings enhancing capital projects, which include a multi-phased expansion project at the Hull pork primary processing site, a fit out of a new houmous facility at Worsley, Manchester, and the expansion of value-added poultry across both of its Hull sites.

Cranswick chief executive Adam Couch said the “substantial” investment “will create the headroom for further expansion in this category”.

He continued: “We have made a strong start to the year, delivering another quarter of strong revenue growth, whilst continuing to provide excellent service levels ensuring full availability of our products for our customers and the UK consumer.

“Our continued capital investment programme, including integration of agricultural supply chains, will further enhance operating efficiency and support UK food security as we continue to deliver on our long-term growth strategy.”

The group’s expectations for its 2024/25 financial year are unchanged.

Couch added: “Going forward, we expect to make further investment in our agricultural operations to ensure supply chain security and value optimisation. We expect demand for our products to remain robust through the remainder of this year.”