Cranswick Regulatory News (CWK)

30 Sep 2005 07:00

Cranswick PLC30 September 2005 Cranswick plc ("Cranswick" or "the Company") - first half trading statement Trading for the company as a whole in the six months to 30 September 2005 was inline with management's expectations. Total sales increased by 50 per cent to £216 million compared with the sameperiod last year. The food division, which benefited from the acquisition of Perkins in January2005, saw sales increase by 55 per cent. Within this figure, sales of foodproducts increased by 65 per cent with fresh pork, sandwiches and charcuterieshowing particularly strong growth, whilst animal feed sales fell as anticipatedfollowing the rationalisation of milling capacity that took place in the firsthalf of last year. Perkins, which has integrated well, contributed sales of £63million. Sales were marginally ahead in the pet business during a period ofrelocation of the two original pet products facilities on to one new fullyautomated site. Cashflow has been strong, enhanced by the sale of the livestock units, andborrowings have fallen ahead of expectations. The Company intends to announce its interim results on 22 November 2005. Enquiries: Cranswick plcMartin Davey, Chairman 01482 372080 (mobile 07775 576426)John Lindop, Finance Director 01482 372090 (mobile 07768 362592) This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange