Cranswick expands portfolio with acquisition of Froch Foods Holdings

UK – Hull-based meat business Cranswick has announced its acquisition of Froch Foods Holdings, a pork and poultry processor based in Stourton, Leeds.

The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, will enhance Cranswick’s existing capabilities in bacon and cooked meat production.

Froch Foods, with a dedicated facility and 74 employees, serves as a key processor for its flagship retail partner.

The acquisition aligns with Cranswick’s strategy to broaden its portfolio and invest in primary pork processing capacity.

The company, listed on the London Stock Exchange, is actively increasing its pig herd and making significant investments in pork processing infrastructure.

“I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Froch Foods, a well‐invested added value processing business,” Adam Couch, Chief Executive Officer, said.

“The addition of Froch Foods is complementary to our existing bacon and cooked meats production capabilities and aligned to our continuous commitment to invest and expand in current categories, add additional capacity and drive efficiencies across the business.”

Analyst Clive Black, of Shore Capital, highlighted the strategic fit of Froch Foods within Cranswick’s core domains, emphasizing the geographical and activity alignment.

While the financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, it is expected that Cranswick’s robust liquidity reserves will support the transaction.

In the fiscal year ending March 25, 2023, Cranswick reported a 15.7% year-on-year revenue increase to £2.32 billion (US$2.95 billion).

The adjusted operating profit rose by 4.5% to £146.5 million. Despite a marginal 1.4% drop in volumes, attributed to reduced export volumes to the Far East, the company remains a major player in the UK meat industry.

Cranswick, employing approximately 13,700 people and operating 22 facilities across the UK, is renowned for supplying meat products and owns brands such as Ramona’s (houmous) and Cypressa (olive products).

The acquisition of Froch Foods further strengthens its position in the market, reflecting its commitment to strategic growth and efficiency.

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