The company said in a third quarter trading statement that total sales were £164 million to the end of December - an increase of seven per cent compared to the same period last year.

In the food division, turnover increased by six per cent compared with the same period last year.

There were notable increases in a number of categories, with sales of continental products 15 per cent higher, pork sales up by 14 per cent and sales of sausages and sandwiches ahead by seven per cent and six per cent respectively.

The company has put in place a new, three year, bank facility and this provides appropriate headroom going forward, the company said. Cranswick said it is in a very strong position in each of its markets supported by production facilities in which there is ongoing investment in pursuit of improved efficiencies and which are amongst the best in the sector.