Heatwave sends sales at Cranswick soaring

Upmarket sausages to bacon producer Cranswick said the barbecue season has been 'phenomenal' this year as it announced stellar annual results following a 13 per cent leap in like-for-like sales.

The Hull-based firm said customers can’t get enough of its Classic Lincolnshire, Cumberland and Toulouse sausages as they light up the barbecue amid the exceptionally warm May weather. Burgers have also flown off the shelves, particularly gourmet ones with onion and various cheeses.

Cranswick’s chief executive Adam Couch said: “The barbecue season has been helped by the weather and last weekend’s events - the Royal Wedding and the FA Cup Final.

“Keeping up with demand was a struggle, but we did it. We see very strong sales this Bank Holiday weekend.”

The group said it has benefited from a number of new contract wins with the big grocers and said it has invested a record £59m in its operations. It plans to invest a further £80m this year.

“Poultry is particularly strong,” said Mr Couch.

“We anticipate that the site in Hull will need further investment.”

Analysts described the results as exceptional as adjusted pre-tax profit rose 22 per cent to £92m in the year to March 31. The group reported record revenues, up 18 per cent to £1.46bn.