Expansion helps boost Cranswick sales

A NEW facility in Norfolk has helped food manufacturer Cranswick to a 19% increase in sales in the current financial year.

The firm acquired CCF Norfolk just over 12 months ago and in a trading statement today Hull-based Cranswick announced first quarter sales of £198m, putting the increase down to organic growth at the East Anglia firm.

Cranswick saw a fall in sales of its continental lines but benefited from substantial gains in fresh pork, bacon and sandwiches as well as growth in cooked meats and sausages.

While pig prices rose in the first quarter they failed to reach the peak of last summer but this was offset by efficiencies and an increase in volumes.

Cranswick has invested in its Norfolk plant to increase capacity and said its plans to expand the Lazenby’s sausage facility and the development of the Hull fresh pork operations during the autumn remained on track.

In the statement, the company said it was confident in the long term development of the business.