Cranswick expands with acquisition of JSR Genetics
© Tim Scrivener Major meat processor Cranswick has confirmed the acquisition of one of the UK’s leading pig genetic businesses, JSR Genetics.
Cranswick has purchased both the genetics enterprise and commercial pig farming operations from Yorkshire-based JSR Farms.
JSR Genetics was founded in 1982 by John Sykes Rymer and has remained a family-owned business, with a focus on providing better pig genetics to reduce production costs as well as driving improvements in animal welfare and sustainability.
See also: Profits up by 17% at meat business Cranswick
Adam Couch, chief executive of Cranswick, said: “This acquisition increases the scale of our indoor pig production, further securing supply for our customers’ pork requirements.
“The addition of an integrated pig genetics supply chain will allow us to drive ongoing improvements in production efficiency, meat quality, animal health and robustness, for the long-term benefit of our customers and the UK consumer.”
Trading conditions
Strong revenue growth in the UK market was reported by Cranswick towards the end of 2024, with strong sales across both core and value-added product ranges, according to the company’s quarterly trading statement.
Cranswick also reported that its Norfolk processing facility had recently regained a licence to export meat products to China.
Mr Couch added: “As we look ahead to the new financial year, we will need to manage the well-publicised inflationary pressures alongside wider economic uncertainty and food security risks, but our business is in great shape, and we are well placed to successfully manage the challenges that may lie ahead.”