Strong growth in fresh pork sales has ensured an 8% increase in turnover to £144.3m for food producer Cranswick for the six months to September 30.

The success of fresh pork sales as well as continued growth in charcuterie sales led to a 11% rise to £112m in its food products division. Its pork products were also recognised at this year’s SuperMeat Awards where it won the “Best Pork Product” as well as being named “Overall Winner” for its Pork Rib Roast.

The company predicted that its first half profits would be adversely affected by the loss of some of its sandwich business as well as higher raw material prices in animal feed, but despite these factors chairman Martin Davey said: “the outlook for the second half with regard to these issues is more positive.”

The company’s sandwich division, The Sandwich Factory, lost business a year ago but has since regained this and it went on to win a number of categories at the 2004 British Sandwich Awards.

Over the last six months the company has also set up a joint venture for the production of traditional dry-cured bacon with Yorkshire family business JackScaife, under the name Gourmet Bacon Company.

Cranswick, who also owns the Mr Lazenby’s sausage brand, maintains a positive outlook for its second half. “The business has seen significant growth in sales in recent years and has experienced management teams in place at each of the operations seeking further opportunities to continue the successful and controlled development of the company,” said Davey.