Ginsters maker beats recession

by Sarah Bridge - 01/12/2009

"More than a century after George Samworth founded his pig-dealing business, the company now run by his great grandchildren and employing more than 6,000 people is weathering the recession with near record sales. "

Samworth Brothers, which supplies food to all the leading supermarket chains as well as producing its own brands - notably that staple of the motorway service station, Ginsters - saw turnover rise 5.2% to £597m in 2008.

The latest accounts show that the business, which is based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, the historic home of the pork pie, recorded a pre-tax profit of £42m, slightly up on last year.

Margins were squeezed in the second half by the high price of raw materials, compounded by an increase in fuel and distribution costs.

But the company said it was hiring more staff to meet demand, as well as commissioning two new production facilities. Customers of its unbranded chilled foods include Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Boots and Morrisons, as well as BP.

More Details: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/markets/article.html?in_article_id=493140&in_page_id=3&position=moretopstories