Our story starts in 1975, when 23 passionate farmers had a vision. Disenchanted with the feed they were buying for their pigs, they commissioned a feasibility study on starting their own mill to rival the big players dominating the market. The reports looked promising, so they formed Cranswick Mill Ltd and production started in 1975.
It was remarkable that within just ten years, when very few agricultural businesses were listed, Cranswick floated on the stock market with a valuation of £5 million, 95p per share and a unique offering of 2-for-1 shares for 30 employees. Today, the business is valued at well over £2.5 billion.
As the business grew, the Board became ambitious and wanted to look for new opportunities, so they started thinking differently and looked to grow the food side of Cranswick.
The biggest game changer came in 1995 in the form of the Cranswick Gourmet Sausage Company. John Lindop, Cranswick Financial Director, and Martin Davey, Chairman, visited Smithfield Market at closing time and noticed a queue outside ‘Simply Sausages’, owned by Martin Heap. They asked Martin to wrap up a selection of sausages and were impressed by the taste and quality. This encounter led to the formation of the Cranswick Gourmet Sausage Company.
That first meeting shaped our food philosophy: to collaborate with artisan food experts, elevate traditional methods and create delicious, nutritious premium food.
See more: https://cranswick.plc.uk/