Hilton Foods reports higher meat sales while profits decline

UK – Hilton Food Group Plc has announced its financial results for the first half of 2025.

The company reported that volumes in its meat and convenience categories grew by 3.1 percent across all regions, which it linked to stable retailer partnerships and improved operations.

Hilton added that convenience products, particularly ready-to-eat and prepared meals, performed well in European markets where demand has continued to rise.

Revenue for the 26 weeks ending 29 June 2025 reached US$2.73 billion (up from US$2.53 billion in the same period of 2024), showing growth despite pressure on margins.

The group’s adjusted profit before tax stood at US$44 million, which was a 3 percent increase on a constant currency basis, although statutory profit before tax dropped 4.7 percent to US$44.3 million.

Operating profit was also lower, falling 5.3 percent to US$54 million compared with US$57.1 million in 2024.

Hilton stated that it expects its retail meat business to remain resilient in the second half of the year, but it noted ongoing challenges from inflation in white fish and operational disruption at its Foppen subsidiary, where regulatory restrictions have affected shipments.

Chief executive Steve Murrells said the first six months of 2025 were marked by solid retail meat and convenience sales, adding that the business was still on track to deliver results within the expected range.

He acknowledged difficulties in seafood operations but said the company had adapted quickly to market-driven pressures and maintained a foundation for growth.

Murrells also pointed to international expansion, with projects advancing through partnerships with NADEC in Saudi Arabia and Walmart in Canada.

According to the company, preparations for the holiday trading season are already in progress, and innovation in product ranges continues to support customer demand.

The group has also started a review of its future priorities, with an emphasis on reorganising its structure to support expansion and deliver long-term value.

Hilton plans to present the outcomes of this review once the process is completed later in the year.