An undercover investigation at a Cranswick owned farm in Lincolnshire revealed numerous animal welfare breaches, including piglets being swung by their legs and slammed against concrete by people working at the farm, a practice that is banned under UK law.
This led to the company’s share price falling by around 7% on 12 May 2025, the equivalent of a £200 million fall in market capitalisation. However, Cranswick’s share price has since recovered.
In response to the footage, which was captured by charity organisation Animal Justice Project, Cranswick suspended the team working at the farm and the supply of pigs from until it could conduct its own investigation.
The meat producer has now confirmed that it is instigating a “fully independent, expert veterinarian review” of all its existing animal welfare policies, in addition to a review of its current livestock operations across the UK.
“We take seriously any instance, anywhere in our supply chain, where behaviour fails to meet those standards,” Cranswick said.
“We will provide a further update on this work in due course.”
In response, Ayrton Cooper, campaigns manager at Animal Justice Project, described the move as “damage control”.
“The company owns Northmoor Farm, yet distances itself from the widespread abuses filmed there,” Cooper added.
“If CEO Adam Couch won’t take responsibility, how can anyone trust his promises of change? This isn’t about a ‘bad apple’. It’s systemic. No review will stop piglets from being routinely mutilated, killed for being unprofitable, or sent to slaughter.”
The announcement was made alongside Cranswick’s preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 29 March 2025, during which the firm earned an adjusted profit before tax of £197.9 million.
This represents an increase of more than 14% year-over-year, while revenue was also up 6.8% to £2.7 billion.
Cranswick also announced that it completed the £32 million acquisition of sausage manufacturer Blakemans on 16 May, following its £24m acquisition of JSR Genetics earlier this year.
“This year we spent a record £138 million across our business to add capacity, expand capability and drive further efficiencies through automation and scale,” said Cranswick chief executive Adam Couch.
“I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Blakemans, a well-invested, leading food service sausage manufacturer. Blakemans is highly complementary to our existing added-value Gourmet business.
“We look forward to welcoming the entire Blakemans team to Cranswick and to working with them to develop the business further.”
