Cranswick to become sole supplier of Sainsbury’s British pork products
The ten-year deal will see Cranswick supply all British pork, sausages, bacon, and cooked meats for Sainsbury’s. The agreement includes investments in pig welfare, farmer support, and sustainability initiatives.
UK – Sainsbury’s has signed a ten-year partnership with Cranswick, making the food producer the exclusive supplier of its British pork range, including sausages, premium bacon, gammon, and cooked meats.
The deal will be implemented through the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group, which consists of British farmers working with both companies.
The agreement is expected to improve pig welfare by introducing standards that exceed industry recommendations while keeping products affordable for customers.
As part of the partnership, Sainsbury’s will continue to offer its Taste the Difference pork range under the RSPCA Assured certification, a standard it has maintained for 17 years.
Additional measures will be taken to enhance animal welfare, including investment in flexible farrowing systems that provide sows and piglets with more space during the birthing process.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will also be introduced to monitor livestock around the clock and provide real-time welfare insights.
To support these changes, Sainsbury’s has pledged an estimated US$63.1 million (£50 million) by 2030, while Cranswick will contribute an additional US$13.8 million (£11 million) to build new pig housing facilities.
The agreement also aims to provide financial stability for farmers.
About 170 farmers within the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group will receive long-term contracts, allowing them to invest in their farms, processing operations, and infrastructure.
The companies believe this will help the pork supply chain become more resilient against market fluctuations and environmental challenges.
Sustainability is another key focus of the deal. Sainsbury’s and Cranswick aim to achieve net-zero emissions for Taste the Difference pork by 2029 and for the rest of Sainsbury’s fresh pork by 2030.
The partnership will also continue trials to reduce the use of soya in animal feed, which has a high environmental impact, and promote more sustainable cereal-based alternatives.
Sainsbury’s Chief Commercial Officer Rhian Bartlett said the long-term agreement will strengthen the supermarket’s pork supply chain by improving animal welfare, ensuring financial security for farmers, and maintaining affordable pricing for consumers.
She also highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships in stabilizing the food industry.
Separately, Cranswick has revised its medium-term operating margin target upward, citing higher demand for pork and poultry.
The company now expects an adjusted operating margin of around 7.5%, up from a previous forecast of over 6%.
Cranswick reported strong holiday sales, with premium grocery purchases remaining high despite inflation.
The company anticipates an adjusted pre-tax profit of between US$246.7 million (£195 million) and US$253.3 million (£200 million) for the financial year ending March 29, aligning with market expectations.
The food producer has also expanded its operations.
In January, it completed the acquisition of JSR Genetics, a pig genetics and farming business in East Yorkshire.
The purchase, made through JSR Farms Limited, includes genetic research and breeding programs aimed at improving pork production.
Revenue growth in recent months has been driven by increased demand for pork and poultry, as consumers continue to seek affordable protein options.
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