MEAT producer Cranswick said it is recovering from a fall in fresh pork sales.

The company reported revenues 0.4 per cent lower at £481.5m for the six months to September 30.

Pre-tax profits fell 5.4 per cent to £24.6m, though stripping out one-off charges they were ahead by 11.4 per cent.

The firm, which operates a factory in Malton, North Yorkshire, supplies products to a range of supermarkets.

It said fresh pork sales, which it had previously said would be lower, were down 13 per cent.

Sausage sales were slightly ahead, despite strong growth in premium products being dragged down by weaker demand for frozen and mid-market ranges, with sales of bacon up three per cent.

Cooked meat, pastry, continental products and sandwiches also grew.

Adam Couch, chief executive, added: "Cranswick has performed positively during a period in which the UK grocery market has remained competitive.

"The business continues to focus on delivering high quality premium products which offer real value to the UK consumer."