The meat processing giant has credited the strong performance of its poultry arm, disciplined operational execution and continued investment in its manufacturing, farming and supply chain capabilities for driving 6.5% operating profit growth (2024: 6.0%).
Revenue increased to £4.12 billion (2024: £4.07 billion), while operating profit increased to £267.7 million (2024: £242.4 million), in the company’s second year as an integrated business since bringing together Moy Park, Pilgrim’s UK and Pilgrim’s Food Masters.
Poultry drove key growth across the wider business, supported by operational improvements, customer contract wins, disciplined cost management and strong commercial execution.
Pilgrim’s Europe added that it became the exclusive supplier of all Waitrose Better Chicken Commitment own-brand chicken, delivered 18 months ahead of the industry’s target timeline.
The business did, however, experience a more mixed picture in the pork market, although these difficulties were largely offset by poultry growth.
Citing ongoing pressure on consumer spending and continued volatility in agricultural commodity markets, the manufacturer added that the EU-UK pig price differential continues to influence competitiveness, pricing and raw material availability.
Ivan Siqueira, president of Pilgrim’s Europe, commented: “FY2025 marked another year of strong progress for Pilgrim’s Europe as we continued to realise the benefits of operating as one integrated business.
“We delivered growth across our poultry operations, improved profitability in our value-added portfolio and continued investing in our agricultural, manufacturing and innovation capabilities to support long-term growth.”
He continued: “During the year, we strengthened our position as the UK’s leading own-label food supplier, deepened strategic customer partnerships and continued helping customers meet changing consumer expectations through innovation, welfare leadership and supply chain resilience.
“Whilst trading conditions remain mixed across parts of the sector, particularly within pork, our integrated business model, talented people and strong customer relationships leave us well positioned for the future. I would like to thank our 17,000 colleagues, farmers, suppliers and customers for their continued commitment and support.”
