FDBusiness.com

Despite the difficult economic conditions, Hilton Food Group, Europe’s leading specialist retail meat packing business supplying major international food retailers in twelve countries, made good progress during 2011. The group has reported a 10% rise in profit before tax to £24.5 million as it increased the volumes of meat packed by 6% and revenue by 14% to £981.3 million for 2011. Revenue growth was driven by the start-up of a new packing facility in Denmark and comparatively strong economic conditions in Sweden and Central Europe.

Volume growth of 6.0% reflected the new business in Denmark as underlying volumes were slightly reduced, due to pressure on consumer spending levels in the face of increased meat prices. Continued strong cash generation has enabled the UK-based meat group to maintain a high level of investment in equipment and facilities, to underpin the growth of its businesses over the longer term.

The group has a strong balance sheet, with net debt level at £18.7 million only marginally increased, despite capital expenditure of £25.2 million in 2011, which included £14.6 million on the new Danish facilities. Indeed, over the eight years to December 2011, Hilton has invested over £140 million on developing its packing and storage facilities.

74% of the group’s revenue is now generated outside the UK, with 77% of the volume of meat packed outside the UK, in Northern and Central European countries.

Robert Watson OBE, chief executive of Hilton Food Group, comments:  “Once again I am pleased to report that during 2011 Hilton has delivered a good performance, continuing to demonstrate the resilience of the group’s business model. Revenue growth was strong in 2011 and further success was achieved with new product and packaging initiatives. We have been able to maintain a high level of investment in our modern meat packing facilities across Europe, designed to keep them at state-of-the-art levels.”