Pilgrim's Europe Reported Growth in 2025 Operating Profit
The company increased production and partnered with Waitrose to expand its free-range pork and chicken offerings.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Organic Food
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Pilgrim's Europe reported an operating profit of nearly £268 million for 2025, driven by improved poultry operations and new product launches. The company also solidified its market position through a major long-term partnership for free-range pork.
Why it matters
This operational shift highlights a growing industry pivot toward sourcing standards like the Better Chicken Commitment. These changes reflect how major suppliers are adapting to consumer demand for specific animal welfare practices in the British food market.
Official financial filings for 2025 show an operating profit of £268 million, up from £242.4 million in 2024. The figures reflect performance across integrated business units, though the full impact of ongoing restructuring and acquisition costs remains under investigation.
The players
Pilgrim's Europe
An integrated food business that supplies poultry and pork products across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands.
Waitrose
A British supermarket chain focused on high-quality food sourcing and animal welfare commitments.
The details
Pilgrim's Europe integrated Moy Park, Pilgrim's UK, and Pilgrim's Food Masters into one business to streamline supply chain efficiency. By investing £108.6 million into farming and manufacturing, the company offset softer market conditions in the pork division that were caused by price gaps between the UK and EU. The company also expanded its footprint by acquiring Hermitage Genetics in early 2026.
Timeline
Revenue reached £4.07 billion in 2024.
Operating profit hit £268 million in 2025.
The company acquired Hermitage Genetics in the first half of 2026.
Waitrose expects to transition to 100% British free-range pork by 2027.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with the standards set by the Better Chicken Commitment, reflecting a shift in how mass-market suppliers meet consumer animal welfare expectations. It signals a move toward integrated supply chains that prioritize specific ethical sourcing standards over traditional farming.
Increased access to free-range pork and certified chicken products allows consumers to make more informed choices regarding animal welfare in their diet. If you prioritize these standards in your shopping, check labels for certification status during your next visit to the grocery store.
The takeaway
The consolidation of supply chains is driving more widespread availability of products like free-range pork and high-welfare chicken. Consumers can track these shifts by monitoring the supply standards adopted by major grocery retailers.
What happens next
Waitrose is scheduled to complete its transition to 100% British free-range pork by 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the industry at Organic Food.
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