Cranswick has posted a strong start to the year, with group sales up 9.7% as it experienced a boom in demand, boosted by recent acquisitions.

The meat supplier reported that for the 13 weeks to 28 June 2025, it saw like-for-like sales increase by 7.9%, driven by volume growth, new business wins and ongoing demand for premium products.

The food manufacturer said that this demand was particularly seen among shoppers prioritising natural protein as part of a balanced diet, and its recent acquisition of Blakemans.

Elsewhere, poultry and pet products were standout performers, in which poultry sales rose sharply, thanks to new premium retail listings and strong demand from existing customers. Meanwhile pet product sales benefited from an expanded partnership with Pets at Home and additional own-label wins.

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Exports also saw a boost, following the reinstatement of Cranswick’s Norfolk pork export licence to China late last year.

“We have made a strong start to the year, delivering volume-led revenue growth across all product categories. We continue to invest at pace across our asset base to drive strong returns,” chief executive Adam Couch said.

“In line with the commitments we made on 20 May 2025, we have further strengthened our animal welfare compliance practices and checks. The independent expert veterinarian led review of these policies and procedures is well advanced, and we look forward to receiving its recommendations. We will provide a further update on this review in due course.

Couch added that the integration of the Blakemans business is “progressing well” and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to strengthening animal welfare compliance, following an independent vet-led review.

Looking ahead, the group said its full-year outlook to 28 March 2026 remains in line with expectations.

Earlier this year, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons all suspended supplies from a Cranswick-owned Lincolnshire pig farm, after undercover footage allegedly showed serious animal welfare breaches.