Pork giant Cranswick (CWK) has made a “positive start to the year”, with the first half sales up year-on-year amid strong performance in the domestic market and rising exports.

Total revenue in the period was up 7.1% to £770m, with like-for-like revenue, excluding Katsouris Brothers up 5.4%.

This organic growth was primarily driven by pricing, with volumes up 0.6%. Revenue growth from fresh pork, pastry, continental products, bacon and poultry was partly offset by lower year-on-year revenue in other pork related categories.

Total fresh pork revenues were up 15.1% in the period, reflecting stronger wholesale and export demand through the first half of the year, with the number of pigs processed during the period increasing by 8.8%. Retail sales were also modestly ahead.

Poultry sales increased by 5%, with a more moderate growth profile compared to recent reporting periods primarily reflecting the annualisation of new business wins in the cooked poultry category.

Convenience revenues were up 5.1%, reflecting strong growth in continental products partly offset by lower cooked meats revenue. Excluding the contribution from Katsouris, like-for-like convenience revenue was a more modest 0.5% ahead.

Gourmet products revenue was in line with the same period last year, with strong growth in pastry and bacon offsetting lower sausage revenue.

Total export revenues jumped 65%, including Far East exports where revenues were 94% ahead

During the period Cranswick also commissioned a ‘world-class’ £75m primary poultry processing facility in Eye, Suffolk, which began in early November

Total adjusted profit before tax for the period was 3.6% higher at £46.4m compared to £44.8m in the corresponding period last year.

Adjusted earnings per share on the same basis was up 2.3% at 71.6p compared to 70p last year.

CEO Adam Couch commented: “We have made a positive start to the year with reported revenue growth of 7.1% underpinned by a very strong performance in our Far East export markets. The UK market remains highly competitive.

“We have again invested at record levels across our asset base to position the business for future growth. The Katsouris Brothers business, acquired in July, has been integrated successfully and is performing in line with our expectations.

“I remain confident that continued focus on the strengths of our business, which include long-standing customer relationships, breadth, quality and relevance of our products, robust financial position and industry leading infrastructure, will support the further successful development of Cranswick over the near and longer term.”

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