Cranswick takes stake in The Jolly Hog to fuel retail expansion

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Cranswick has acquired a stake in premium pork brand The Jolly Hog as the Bristol-based business looks to accelerate its growth across UK grocery.

The deal will give The Jolly Hog access to Cranswick’s investment, manufacturing capacity and industry expertise, helping it respond to growing retailer demand without changing its founder-led structure.

Brothers Olly, Max and Josh Kohn will continue to run the business, while its existing team and headquarters in Bristol will be retained. The value of the investment has not been disclosed.

The founders said the partnership would allow The Jolly Hog to expand more quickly while maintaining the quality and values that have underpinned the brand’s growth.

“We have the investment, expertise and manufacturing capability to scale faster without compromising on the quality, flavour or values that define our brand,” they said.

“We’re lucky to say we’ve seen growing retailer interest in stocking our range and this partnership ensures we can meet that demand whilst maintaining the standards we’re known for.”

The Jolly Hog will continue to source 100 per cent British, outdoor-bred and RSPCA Assured pork for its sausages, bacon and other meat products.

The company, which was launched by the three brothers in 2007, is stocked by major grocers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op.

It is reportedly on course to generate £30m in turnover this year and is aiming to double revenue over the next three years.

Cranswick chief commercial officer Jim Brisby said: “The Jolly Hog is a brand with a clear purpose, a loyal following and a reputation for delivering exceptional products.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Olly, Max and Josh at such a pivotal moment in their journey and will support the team to deliver their exciting and ambitious growth plans to unlock the full potential of The Jolly Hog.”

The investment comes as Cranswick benefits from growing demand for premium sausages and bacon. Revenue from its gourmet products division rose 15.3 per cent in the year to March 2026, helped by higher volumes and the contribution from recent acquisitions.

The meat producer has been expanding its capabilities through a series of deals, including its £32m acquisition of sausage manufacturer Blakemans last year.

For The Jolly Hog, the partnership offers the scale needed to widen distribution while preserving its identity as a higher-welfare British pork brand.

The founders added: “The business remains founder-led, our commitment to higher-welfare British pork remains unchanged and we’re incredibly excited about what comes next for our retail partners and consumers.”

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Cranswick takes stake in The Jolly Hog to fuel retail expansion

Cranswick has acquired a stake in premium pork brand The Jolly Hog as the Bristol-based business looks to accelerate its growth across UK grocery.

The deal will give The Jolly Hog access to Cranswick’s investment, manufacturing capacity and industry expertise, helping it respond to growing retailer demand without changing its founder-led structure.

Brothers Olly, Max and Josh Kohn will continue to run the business, while its existing team and headquarters in Bristol will be retained. The value of the investment has not been disclosed.

The founders said the partnership would allow The Jolly Hog to expand more quickly while maintaining the quality and values that have underpinned the brand’s growth.

“We have the investment, expertise and manufacturing capability to scale faster without compromising on the quality, flavour or values that define our brand,” they said.

“We’re lucky to say we’ve seen growing retailer interest in stocking our range and this partnership ensures we can meet that demand whilst maintaining the standards we’re known for.”

The Jolly Hog will continue to source 100 per cent British, outdoor-bred and RSPCA Assured pork for its sausages, bacon and other meat products.

The company, which was launched by the three brothers in 2007, is stocked by major grocers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op.

It is reportedly on course to generate £30m in turnover this year and is aiming to double revenue over the next three years.

Cranswick chief commercial officer Jim Brisby said: “The Jolly Hog is a brand with a clear purpose, a loyal following and a reputation for delivering exceptional products.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Olly, Max and Josh at such a pivotal moment in their journey and will support the team to deliver their exciting and ambitious growth plans to unlock the full potential of The Jolly Hog.”

The investment comes as Cranswick benefits from growing demand for premium sausages and bacon. Revenue from its gourmet products division rose 15.3 per cent in the year to March 2026, helped by higher volumes and the contribution from recent acquisitions.

The meat producer has been expanding its capabilities through a series of deals, including its £32m acquisition of sausage manufacturer Blakemans last year.

For The Jolly Hog, the partnership offers the scale needed to widen distribution while preserving its identity as a higher-welfare British pork brand.

The founders added: “The business remains founder-led, our commitment to higher-welfare British pork remains unchanged and we’re incredibly excited about what comes next for our retail partners and consumers.”

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