Samworth Brothers report a good year

The food manufacturer, which makes the iconic Dickinson and Morris pork pies, has enjoyed an increase in profits from £36 million to £45.6 million in 2015.

CEO Alex Knight said: “After a number of tough trading years, 2015 saw the business achieve overall returns more in line with other industry peers.

“It was a year of continuing challenges in the grocery market but the company made good progress with total sales growing 7.7 per cent to £901.6million.”

Mr Knight warned, however, that challenging times may lie ahead.

“Looking ahead, we expect future additional headwinds,” he said.

“ Most particularly, we anticipate continuing raw material price rises due to increased global demand and some global shortages.”

Mr Knight said the company, which also makes Ginsters pasties among other products, would continue to invest in capital expenditure.

Samworth Brothers has invested £185 million in this area in the last five years.