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Cranswick gets fatter as BBQs replace the Sunday roast

Pork supplier Cranswick has posted a sales jump thanks to demand for BBQ foods: Gareth Richman
Pork supplier Cranswick has posted a sales jump thanks to demand for BBQ foods: Gareth Richman

Shares in Cranswick sizzled earlier after the pork supplier revealed a 22.5% sales jump, helped by Londoners’ love of barbecues and a significant growth in exports.

Chief executive Adam Couch said: “In London we are seeing people move away from the traditional Sunday roast, towards pulled pork and BBQ products which are becoming increasing popular.”

That helped sales to increase to £1.2 billion in the year to March, up from £1 billion a year earlier.

Cranswick, founded by Yorkshire pig farmers in the 1970s to make pig feed, also noted strong demand from the Far East and contract renewals with Tesco and Sainsbury’s for cooked meats.

In addition the company saw benefits from the acquisition of Crown Chicken in April 2016.

Pre-tax profit rose to £77.5 million from £62 million, and the final dividend payment went up to 31p from 25.9p.

Couch warned there will be some price increases owing to inflationary pressures.

The shares rose 44p to 2869p.