Cranswick plc reports 5.5% Q1 revenue growth on strong poultry sales

Yorkshire‑based food producer Cranswick plc said first‑quarter revenue rose 5.5% year‑on‑year, with overall volume up 8.2% and like‑for‑like revenue increasing 4.0%. Growth was led by poultry, supported by a recent capacity expansion at the Eye, Suffolk processing plant and new premium retail contracts for cooked and prepared poultry. Domestic fresh pork also showed double‑digit retail volume growth, while export pork fell due to weaker demand from China and other overseas markets.

The company reaffirmed its positive outlook for the financial year ending March 2027, highlighting ongoing capital investment across its asset base, including a planned 25% capacity increase at the Eye facility and further expansion at its Hull pork site. Chief executive Adam Couch said the balance sheet remains strong with net debt broadly unchanged.

Analyst coverage remained supportive: Deutsche Bank, Shore Capital, Berenberg, Royal Bank of Canada and Jefferies all maintained buy or outperform ratings, setting price targets between GBX 5,770 and GBX 6,300, implying potential upside of roughly 16%. The consensus rating is a “moderate buy” with an average target of GBX 5,974.