Food producer Cranswick Plc lifted its full-year profit outlook on Tuesday as it hailed strong revenue growth in the third quarter.
In an update for the 13 weeks to 27 December 2025, the company said the strong growth, including the key Christmas period, reflected a continuation in the positive trading momentum seen in the first half, with all product categories ahead of the corresponding period in the prior year.
As a result, it now expects full-year adjusted pre-tax profit to be towards the upper end of current market expectations of between £211.3m and £216.0m.
December sales were ahead of the previous year, driven by record Christmas trading across the company's Fresh Pork, Convenience and Gourmet festive product ranges. Premium added-value ranges performed particularly well, including showcase centre of plate products and festive grazing platters.
Cranswick also said on Tuesday that it now expects full-year capital expenditure to be between £160m and £170m, lower than previous guidance due to the timing of spend on major projects.
The company said demand for its premium pork and poultry categories remains robust, "reflecting the UK consumers' desire for high quality, healthy, nutritious food which is both versatile and great value".
Chief executive Adam Couch said: "We have delivered another strong quarter of growth underpinned by revenue growth across all product categories and a record Christmas trading period. This excellent performance is the result of our unrelenting focus on delivering outstanding service levels, sector leading innovation and unrivalled product quality across our festive product range for our customers."