Cranswick has delivered a “record Christmas trading period” as it ramps up pig production with the acquisition of leading pig genetics company JSR Genetics.

For the 13 weeks to 28 December 2024, the UK food producer delivered strong sales growth underpinned by “excellent” volume growth across its core UK food business, while premium value-added products also performed “extremely well”.

The group’s expanded pig farming and milling operations continue to “contribute positively” and will be strengthened by the acquisition of JSR Genetics, which is an existing, long-standing supplier to Cranswick.

The UK food producer has acquired the entire share capital of the genetics company, with the transaction including both the pig genetics and pig farming operations of JSR Farms.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

According to Cranswick, JSR Genetics, located in East Yorkshire, is renowned for its genetic solutions for cost effective pig production.

Cranswick chief executive Adam Couch said the acquisition “increases the scale of our indoor pig production, further securing supply for our customers’ pork requirements.”

“The addition of an integrated pig genetics supply chain will allow us to drive ongoing improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, animal health and robustness, for the long-term benefit of our customers and the UK consumer,” he explained.

Cranswick expects the outlook for the current financial year ending 29 March 2025 to be in line with current market expectations for adjusted profit before tax between £189m and £195.1m.

Couch added: “As we look ahead to the new financial year, we will need to manage the well-publicised inflationary pressures alongside wider economic uncertainty and food security risks, but our business is in great shape, and we are well placed to successfully manage the challenges that may lie ahead.”