The protestors came from Animal Justice Project, the same organisation that uncovered widespread animal cruelty at a Cranswick owned farm in Lincolnshire last year.
The charity released the footage to the press last month, prompting Tesco and several other major retailers to suspend supplies of meat from Northmoor Farm where the abuse was filmed.
The Cranswick stock price plummeted in the days after but has since recovered, while the firm continues to supply Tesco from its other facilities.
During the AGM, which was held at Tesco’s headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, the protestors held up signs reading “Tesco: Drop Cranswick Over Pig Abuses” and attempted to access the stage. They were subsequently restrained by security.
Cranswick has launched an independent investigation into the practices at Northmoor Farm, which included piglets being swung by their legs and slammed against concrete, and suspended the farm and its employees.
“Today’s disruption sends a clear message to Tesco: it has a golden opportunity to lead by example and cut ties with a company that puts profit before animal welfare,” commented Ayrton Cooper, campaigns manager at Animal Justice Project.
“By continuing its partnership with Cranswick, Tesco is endorsing law-breaking, widespread suffering, and corporate impunity. If it’s serious about protecting its reputation, Tesco must show the pig industry that abuse and illegality will no longer be tolerated.”
The Animal Justice Project has also filed a formal complaint about Cranswick with Trading Standards and said that it is prepared to pursue a private prosecution if no action is taken.
Speaking when the footage first emerged, a Tesco spokesperson said: “We take all reports of poor animal welfare extremely seriously and expect all our suppliers to adhere to our high welfare standards. We were shocked to see this footage and have suspended the farm in question while a full investigation is carried out.”
Food Manufacture has reached out to Tesco for fresh comment.
