Cranswick increases profit target as demand for pork, poultry grows
The British meat producer is raising its operating margin forecast following strong sales.
UK – Cranswick has adjusted its medium-term operating margin target upward, citing increased demand for its pork and poultry products.
The British meat producer now anticipates an adjusted operating margin of approximately 7.5%, exceeding its previous expectation of over 6%.
The company, which supplies fresh pork, bacon, gourmet sausages, poultry, and continental foods, reported strong holiday sales as consumers continued to purchase premium groceries despite inflation.
Cranswick stated that its outlook for the financial year ending March 29 remains in line with market projections, which estimate an adjusted pre-tax profit of between US$246.72 million and US$253.34 million.
Recent Expansions and Acquisitions
The company has been active in expanding its operations in recent months.
In January, Cranswick issued a third-quarter trading update announcing the acquisition of JSR Genetics, a pig genetics and farming business based in East Yorkshire.
The deal, completed with JSR Farms Limited, includes both genetic research and pig farming operations.
Cranswick attributed its revenue growth during the quarter to higher sales volumes in its core UK pork and poultry businesses, stating that demand for affordable and versatile protein remained strong.
The company highlighted the continued benefits of its expanded pig farming and milling operations, which it expects to strengthen further with the addition of JSR Genetics.
According to Cranswick, JSR Genetics has been a longtime supplier and has developed advanced genetic techniques aimed at enhancing meat quality, improving production efficiency, and promoting animal health.
Despite its growth, Cranswick acknowledged broader economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks that could impact operations.
The company confirmed that its financial outlook for the year ending March 29, 2025, remains aligned with market expectations.
In December 2024, Cranswick announced a US$25 million investment to increase poultry production capacity.
The expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its poultry meat operations.
In an unaudited financial report for the first half of the current fiscal year, CEO Adam Crouch outlined Cranswick’s focus on developing a vertically integrated poultry business.
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