Cranswick Regulatory News (CWK)

24 Jan 2007 07:01

Cranswick PLC24 January 2007 Cranswick plc ("Cranswick" or "the Company") - third quarter trading statement Cranswick has continued to perform well. Total sales in the three months to 31December 2006 were £140 million, an increase of 22 per cent compared with thesame period last year. Total food sales showed an increase of 24 per cent compared with the same periodlast year. Sales of food products increased by 27 per cent, with all categoriesshowing good growth. Animal feed sales increased by 14 per cent. Excluding theimpact of Delico, which was acquired in November 2006 and is currently in theprocess of being integrated, food sales rose by 21 per cent on a like-for-likebasis. Turnover in the pet business, which accounted for 6 per cent of total Companysales in the quarter, was down 5 per cent following disappointing bird foodsales. A fire at the Chorleywood warehouse in December caused some disruptionalthough the profit impact will be minimal as the business is fully insured. The cash flow of the business was in line with expectations. Enquiries: Cranswick plcMartin Davey, Chairman 07775 576426John Lindop, Finance Director 01482 372090 (mobile 07768 362592) Notes to editors: 1. Cranswick, based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is the UK's leading supplier of premium pork products. The Company supplies a range of fresh pork, gourmet sausages, traditional dry cured bacon, cooked meats, charcuterie and sandwiches. 2. In the year to March 2006 the Company recorded sales of £441 million and profit before tax of £31.1 million. Earnings per share over the ten years to this date grew at a compound rate of over 20 per cent per annum. Sales in the six months to September 2006 rose 14 per cent compared with the same period in the previous year. 3. The Company has won many awards over the years including 'UK Meat Manufacturer of the Year' in 2005 and producer of 'Britain's Best Sausage' in 2006. In addition Cranswick's pre-packed turkey range was named 'Best Ready to Eat Product' in 2006 industry awards. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange