Cranswick PLC

The company aims to become an operational Net Zero business by 2040. To achieve this goal, it has set science-based targets (SBTi-validated) for its supply chain. It intends to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% across its manufacturing and farming operations by 2030, using a 2019/20 baseline. It also targets a 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, including purchased goods and services and upstream leased assets, per tonne sold within the same timeline. The company is developing new FLAG targets with SBTi, expecting verification by year's end. Although methane emissions are within its target scope, there is no specific reduction target for methane. Scope 3 emissions comprise about 95.92% of its total emissions, necessitating their inclusion in science-based targets.

The company has set a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated goal to reduce its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Additionally, the company is committed to achieving net zero emissions in its operations by 2040, though it is unclear if it plans to have this target validated by the SBTi.

The company's Scope 3 analysis, part of its Science-Based Targets (SBT) proposal, identifies areas of greatest emissions contributions. It collaborates with suppliers to mitigate risks and reduce impacts, supported by the launch of its Sustainability Pledge in 2020, which aligns supplier values and encourages emission measurements and commitments. In FY2023, the company initiated a phase of its Second Nature plan, working with some pig suppliers to establish baseline carbon footprints for about 17% of its pig purchases. The initiative aims for a 50% emissions reduction by 2025 and Net Zero emissions by 2030. The company will report initial results in FY2024.

The company aims to transition to 100% certified sustainable soya (RTRS certified) in its feed, achieving significant carbon footprint reductions. Currently, its own chicken feed uses 100% full mass balance RTRS certified soya, while its pig feed uses 100% regional mass balance RTRS certified soya, with a target of full mass balance soya by the end of 2024. The company underscores its commitment to regenerative farming, highlighting soil health to mitigate climate change risks, and the role of livestock in enhancing organic matter and nutrient and carbon cycling. This approach aims to optimise crop growth conditions and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilisers. It also mentions exchanging straw for muck with local farmers, though it is unclear if these farmers also grow feed. Additionally, the company is scaling up its Carbon Inset Scheme, which aims to reduce emissions within its supply chain. Clarity is needed on whether this scheme includes feed farming.

To reduce non-mechanical agricultural emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management, the company is reformulating pig and poultry diets to rely less on high-carbon ingredients like soya, maintaining levels below industry averages. It is also improving livestock production efficiency through natural genetic enhancements. The company focuses on regenerative farming and the significance of soil health in addressing climate change risks. It highlights livestock's role in enhancing organic matter and nutrient and carbon cycling. Moreover, the company shares land and best practices with other food producers to improve soil stability and the sustainability of pig production. Additionally, the company is scaling up its Carbon Inset Scheme to manage emissions within its supply chain.

In its 2024 Annual Report, the company reported Scope 1 emissions at 84,875 tCO2e and location-based Scope 2 emissions at 39,537 tCO2e. Additionally, in its 2023 CDP Climate response, the company disclosed Scope 3 emissions of 2,923,279 tCO2e.

In 2023/24, the company reported Scope 1 non-mechanical agricultural emissions as 83,407 tCO2e and provided a breakdown into methane, CH4, at 68 tCO2e and N2O at 157 tCO2e. Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, including livestock, were 887,472 tCO2e, accounting for all pigs, chickens, and weaners purchased. The company disclosed results from its 2021/22 Scope 3 emissions analysis, conducted with a third party for developing science-based targets. Livestock emissions were 887,472 tCO2e, with raw meat at 668,794 tCO2e and feed at 605,457 tCO2e. The company does not disclose greenhouse gas emissions from land-use change.

The company responded to the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire 2023, disclosing that PwC externally verified its Scope 1 and 2 emissions data. However, its Scope 3 emissions have not yet been third-party verified.

In 2023/24, the company's market-based Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions increased by 2.6% to 93,335 tCO2e, compared to 90,947 tCO2e in 2022/23. Despite this, the company has achieved a 5% reduction in emissions from 131,133 to 124,412 tCO2e between FY2020 and FY2023, an average annual decrease of 1.7%. The company reports that using 100% mass-balanced RTRS soy feed resulted in a 14% reduction in the carbon footprint of outdoor-reared pigs and a 28% reduction for chickens. For FY2023/2024, Scope 1 emissions are reported at 84,875 tCO2e, Scope 2 emissions (location-based) at 39,537 tCO2e, and Scope 3 emissions at 2,923,279 tCO2e according to CDP Climate 2023. It is encouraged to disclose absolute Scope 3 emissions in future Annual Reports.

The company conducted a scenario analysis to assess climate-related risks and opportunities over three time horizons: short-term (0-5 years) for immediate operations, medium-term (5-15 years) for future risks and opportunities, and long-term (15+ years) for strategic decisions. It evaluated a 1.5°C scenario, focusing on transition risks aligned with reduction targets, and a 4°C scenario, emphasising physical risks for long-term impact.

The company acknowledges climate change risks, such as resource scarcity and price fluctuations in feed ingredients, and is collaborating with suppliers to plan and explore alternative options for essential crops used in animal feed. To mitigate the risk of increased heat stress and animal mortality, the company employs ventilation and cooling systems in poultry sheds, reducing temperatures by 4–5°C, and insulates pig huts while managing airflow. Feeding and transport schedules are also adjusted to cooler times. While the company recognises risks from outbreaks such as African Swine Fever and Avian Influenza in pig and poultry meat, it does not address the projected impact of increased veterinary and medicine costs due to climate change. The company considers the risk of rising energy costs and is evaluating increased renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency enhancements. In anticipation of higher carbon pricing and energy taxes from governments, the company has initiated several ongoing and planned projects to counter potential future increases in carbon prices. However, the company does not disclose data on financially material events resulting from climate risk.

The company has allocated £100 million towards its Second Nature programme to achieve Net Zero across operations by 2040. It is integrating sustainability targets into its financing, prioritising sustainability projects in budgeting. The company anticipates increased electricity costs due to higher carbon prices and demand for green tariff electricity, estimating an annual financial impact of £1 million to £3 million with a 10% rise in energy prices. It expects further increases as energy costs continue to rise.

The company utilises soy for animal feed, including soybean meal and derivatives, with procurement spending on soy representing approximately 1-5% of total procurement. It reports that 91-99% of its revenue depends on soy, which is critical for both internal and external protein production. The company sources soy from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Paraguay, and the United States. It is working towards 100% verified deforestation and conversion-free soy for use on its farms. Currently, all soy in its pig feed is regional mass balance RTRS-certified, and it aims for 100% full mass balance RTRS-certified soy for pig and poultry farming by the end of 2024. However, the company does not confirm that all sourced soy is from deforestation-free regions or suppliers. The company acknowledges the financial and strategic risks associated with soy and details its mitigation strategy, though it does not identify all high-risk locations in its assessment.

The company aims for 100% of its soya to be deforestation and conversion-free, achieving full mass balance RTRS certification by the end of 2024. It plans to source solely from areas verified as deforestation-free by 2024. Furthermore, the company has committed to the UK Soy Manifesto to eliminate deforestation and habitat destruction from the UK's soy supply chains by 2025, with a cut-off date for compliance set for January 2020.

The company aims to ensure all soya used on its farm comes from deforestation and conversion-free areas by 2024. It is collaborating with importers, traders, and compound feed suppliers to achieve 100% verified deforestation and conversion-free soya.

The company responded to the CDP Forest 2023. It reports having achieved a target of 100% full mass balance RTRS-certified soya in its chicken feed in 2022. Additionally, the company states that all soya used in its pig feed is regionally mass balance RTRS certified, with a plan to extend 100% certification to both pig and poultry farming by the end of 2024. Its soybean supply is audited and certified by the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS).

The company, as a signatory of the UK Soy Manifesto, aims to ensure all soya in its animal feed and ingredients is deforestation and conversion-free by 2025 and encourages its suppliers to adopt the same standard. It participates in initiatives like the Cerrado Manifesto and the UK Roundtable on Sustainable Soy to support sustainable soy practices. Additionally, the company is committed to using certified deforestation-free soya, advocating for sustainable land use in South America, and researching alternative protein sources. These initiatives focus on promoting responsible soy production and minimising deforestation impacts.

The company engages with direct suppliers through supply chain mapping and environmental questionnaires to address deforestation. This approach aims to mitigate deforestation risks by increasing demand for certified deforestation-free soy. However, the company reported in its 2023 CDP that it lacks a system to monitor compliance with this commitment, intending to develop one within the next two years. The company has successfully traced 100% of its procured soya to origin locations in the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, though specific percentages for each location are not disclosed. While 100% of the soy used in chicken feed was mass balance certified in 2022, the soy in its pork production has not yet reached this standard. Therefore, it is uncertain whether non-compliance is addressed throughout its entire supply chain.

The company states it is exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on imported soya for feed but does not provide details on the initiative's progress. Additionally, it undertakes bio-acoustic monitoring of insects around its farm, although this is unrelated to feed supply.

The company conducted a water risk assessment using the WRI Aqueduct Tool, identifying two operational sites in high water stress regions within the Thames minor basin in London, England. As part of its broader risk assessment framework, it also utilises the WWF Water Risk Filter Tools. Out of eighteen production facilities, only two face water risk exposure due to their location in the Thames 1 minor basin, a recognised area of water stress. The company reports a water consumption of 1.36 million m3 for FY2024 and has implemented several water reduction initiatives. At its Milton Keynes site, it reduced water intensity from 3.66 to 3.16 cubic metres per tonne of product by removing cooling towers and installing sub-metering. At the Fresh Poultry site, wastewater is recycled for fleet washing. It is also investigating water recycling at pig farms, using nipple drinkers, and improving soil stewardship. As a Courtauld 2025 Water Ambition partner, the company prioritises water efficiency and reducing water stress.

The company has set a target to reduce water intensity by 25% by FY2025 from an FY2020 baseline, aiming for a 5% annual reduction at its manufacturing sites. It reports a water intensity decrease of 0.7% and a longer-term reduction of 3.9% compared to the 2019/20 baseline. However, the company has not yet disclosed a time-bound target for reducing total water withdrawals, though it plans to establish one within the next two years.

The company's CDP Water 2023 report indicates that it sources water from both groundwater and third-party sources. In FY2024, 1.6% of its total water withdrawal and 0.5% of its total water consumption originated from areas of high baseline water stress. The company has increased its water-related CAPEX by 117% due to planned effluent plant upgrades at several sites and has responded to the CDP Water Security Questionnaire 2023. Its water-related OPEX decreased by 2.5% due to an extraordinary credit from a supplier. PwC has verified the company's data on water withdrawal. The company reports a decrease in total water consumption from 1.58 million m3 in FY2023 to 1.36 million m3 in FY2024, although total water withdrawal rose from 2.56 million m3 to 2.77 million m3 over the same period.

The company communicates its expectations for effective water stewardship across its supply chain, including setting water reduction targets. It exchanges manure with farmers for straw used in hog bedding, noting that the manure enhances soil water retention and resilience to drought. However, it is unclear if these crops are included in the company's feed supply. The company does not assess water risk exposure in its value chain, citing diverse suppliers that lower the likelihood of significant impacts. While it participates in the oversight panel of the WRAP Water Stewardship Roadmap to examine water management risks, it is uncertain whether this includes feed supply.

The company does not disclose feed water intensity or the proportion of feed sourced from water-stressed areas. Furthermore, the company does not provide evidence that it is investing in sustainable feed production from a water-use perspective.

The company has a Group Water Policy addressing water scarcity, including its farming operations, but lacks specific targets for animal farming activities. Less than 1% of its contracts are with producers in high or extremely high water stress areas. Additionally, the company does not disclose incentives offered to suppliers or growers for water use in animal farming.

The company has joined the WRAP Water Roadmap to improve the sourcing of fresh food from regions with sustainable water management practices, including its own supply chain.

The company uses the WRI Aqueduct tool and considers water quality factors. It reports two sites exposed to water stress but does not explain water quality risks, leaving the extent of operations in water risk areas unclear. The company had zero incidents of non-compliance with water quality permits, standards, and regulations during FY2024. It plans to disclose a target related to water pollution within the next two years but does not currently have a wastewater volume target.

The company has disclosed its response to the CDP Water Security questionnaire for 2023, reporting 965.64 megalitres of wastewater discharge per year, including both onsite releases and offsite transport. It monitors various pollutants in its wastewater, such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids, and pH, but does not disclose the quality of the wastewater discharged. Additionally, the company does not verify any further water information reported in its CDP Water Security report.

The company reports a decrease in wastewater discharge from 966.84 megalitres/year in the previous year to 965.64 megalitres/year in the reporting year. However, it does not disclose information on converting animal by-products from processing effluents into fertiliser and/or biogas, nor does it provide data on improvements in aggregate wastewater quality.

The company does not address nutrient management in its code of conduct. It does not disclose a requirement for feed suppliers to have a nutrient management plan in place, nor does it provide guidance, support, or incentives to suppliers/growers on nutrient management or fertiliser use in crop production.

The company does not invest in sustainable feed production to improve nutrient management or disclose information about pesticide use in its feed supply chain.

The company does not disclose conducting risk assessments to identify high-risk locations. It recognises declining water quality in the UK as a potential reputational risk and is taking steps to address this but does not specify any particular high-risk sites or locations. The company reports that its pig manure is managed under a nutrient management plan and is utilised by local arable farmers through ‘straw for muck’ agreements to benefit their crops.

The company manages animal litter and manure from its pig farms according to a nutrient management plan. However, it is unclear if similar plans are required from its suppliers. The company is undertaking a project to mitigate water run-off from its pig farms, aiming to address soil health and water quality issues. This project focuses on assessing rotational cropping options to reduce sediment loss in pig-grazing areas, potentially reducing pollution impacts. As this project may advance technical practices in pig farming, it has been credited accordingly.

The company does not integrate nutrient management performance into incentive schemes for farmers. It does not discuss innovations in manure or provide evidence of a community engagement plan in relation to pollution.

The company’s antibiotics policy aligns with standards from the Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials, the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance, and the European Medicines Agency. It permits antibiotics primarily for therapeutic purposes, prohibits their use for growth promotion, and restricts preventative use to situations with veterinary supervision. The use of the highest priority critically important antibiotics is limited to essential cases only. While the policy emphasises restricting the use of critically important antimicrobials to last-resort situations under veterinary guidance, it does not explicitly cover all antibiotic types, focusing instead on those critical for human medicine. The company actively reduces antibiotic use through welfare programmes, biosecurity protocols, and vaccination strategies. It has invested in on-farm hatching systems, reduced stocking densities, and enhanced biosecurity in pork and poultry operations. It enforces strict disease prevention measures, avoids species confinement, and eschews routine practices like pig castration, tail docking, and beak trimming. Furthermore, it conducts feed trials with supplements and essential oils to promote health and welfare, ensuring species-appropriate living conditions and environmental enrichments. However, the company does not have a distinct antibiotics usage policy for pork or poultry.

The company reports antibiotic use in mg/PCU, stating that for the 2023/24 period, usage was 68.3 mg/PCU in pig farming and 9.0 mg/PCU in poultry farming. This increase, attributed to labour and supply chain disruptions in pig farming, still remains below industry benchmarks of 87 mg/PCU for pigs and 14 mg/PCU for poultry. The company does not disclose antibiotic use broken down by type class or if these figures are audited by a third party.

The company actively supports the Five Freedoms, committing to both the physical and mental well-being aspects of animal welfare. It integrates animal welfare training into employee development programmes, including apprenticeships and regular agricultural team training on humane handling practices. The company has a clear protocol for breaches of its animal welfare policy, involving investigations, corrective actions, and the termination of supplier relationships if issues remain unresolved. The company demonstrates leadership in animal welfare through participation in research and development, focusing on pig and poultry operations. It is involved in projects such as trials with 3D cameras to monitor welfare, enrichment effectiveness research, and collaborating with Leeds University on pig sustainability. Additionally, the company has established three concept farms for industry trials and research to enhance animal welfare.

The company ensures that 100% of the pork from its own farms, and 96% of its total pork supply, including third-party suppliers, is free from gestation crates. It is actively working to eliminate routine mutilation practices such as tail docking, teeth clipping, and beak trimming across all species in its supply chain. The company is committed to reducing transportation times for all livestock journeys to under eight hours. It also ensures all animals are humanely pre-stunned before slaughter. To promote positive behavioural outcomes, the company provides species-specific environmental enrichment across its supply chain and requires all suppliers to do the same. For instance, in the UK, pigs are given materials like straw and manipulable objects, while poultry sheds have bales, perches, and pecking objects, accessible to chickens from their seventh day of life. The company does not explicitly commit to excluding breeds with production traits that increase anatomical or metabolic disorders.

The company holds multiple animal welfare farm assurance certifications across its operations, including for beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Suppliers are members of recognised welfare schemes such as Red Tractor, RSPCA Assured, the Lion Code of Practice, and Bord Bia’s Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme. The company reports that 80% of pork produced on its farms is certified under RSPCA United Kingdom Freedom Food Welfare Standards, with all pork operations certified under Red Tractor standards. Furthermore, 99% of poultry operations are compliant with Red Tractor standards. Pork operations and suppliers are certified by either RSPCA, Red Tractor, or BMPA Quality Assured Pork.

The company reports annually on its animal welfare certifications. In 2023, pork certified to RSPCA standards increased from 79% to 80%. However, poultry certification dropped slightly from 100% in 2022 to 99% in 2023, indicating a minor adjustment in coverage.

The company addresses key welfare risks in its pork operations by eliminating gestation crates, discouraging routine tail docking, and avoiding castration. In 2023, all pork from its owned farms and 96% of its global supply chain was produced without gestation crates. Castration is prohibited for UK farm-assured pigs, and 70% of European suppliers have also discontinued this practice. Globally, 30% of pigs avoid routine tail docking, and all UK pigs have access to enrichment materials such as straw and manipulable objects. In poultry welfare, the company sources 1.5% of poultry from farms with a 30kg/m² stocking density. It reports that 84% of broiler chickens and all end-of-lay hens are slaughtered using controlled atmospheric stunning. Poultry sheds are equipped with perches, toys, and natural or LED lighting to reduce stress and improve welfare.

In its Group Human Rights Policy, the company commits to upholding human rights and supports the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ILO Core Conventions on labour standards, working hours, and worker health and safety.

The company is committed to identifying and addressing slavery and human trafficking risks, monitoring its operations through internal checks and third-party audits. Its sites are subject to unannounced SEDEX Ethical Trade Audits biennially, along with annual ethical verification audits by an Internal Social Systems Auditor. In supply chain monitoring, the company uses SEDEX to map and classify suppliers by risk level and audits its labour providers. While audits cover some human rights aspects, more comprehensive disclosure on human rights risk assessment is encouraged. The company provides employees with information, guidance, training, and equipment on human rights, modern slavery, and trafficking, while its Group Technical Services receive modern slavery awareness training for supply chain management. However, there is no clear evidence of the direct impact of any mitigation measures in the supply chain. Although social audits occur at company sites and supply chain social risk is monitored via SEDEX, the company has not clarified its procedures for addressing detected human rights or modern slavery risks.

The company does not disclose whether it has identified any human rights risks in its operations through human rights due diligence.

The company commits to prohibiting child labour, forced labour, discrimination, and harassment. It stipulates that wages should at least meet national legal or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. However, it is unclear how the company ensures its employees receive a living wage and whether it provides sick pay to workers. All company locations are subject to SMETA audits, which assess compliance with these commitments. Its Ethical Trading Policy, also applied to suppliers, prohibits forced labour, child labour, inhumane treatment, and discrimination.

The company conducts ongoing monitoring of its suppliers through audits aligned with SMETA and ETI principles or via the Sedex monitoring platform. It audits all labour providers and carries out SMETA audits if a supplier operates in a high-risk country. However, it does not specify what constitutes a high-risk country or how many suppliers are affected. The company has implemented a grievance mechanism for its direct operations, enabling anonymous reports but encouraging employees to identify themselves for investigation purposes. Reporting channels are available to external stakeholders, but the company does not disclose if stakeholders were consulted in designing the grievance mechanism. The company's whistleblowing channel is accessible to both external parties and employees. It received 30 whistleblowing reports during the reporting period, with issues including harassment (11), health and safety (8), discrimination (7), wages (3), and inappropriate behaviour (1).

The company commits to a safe and healthy work environment, with 90% of its sites accredited to the ISO45001 Health and Safety Management system. It has site-based health and safety committees with appointed representatives, but the proportion of sites with these committees is not disclosed. The company has also established a Group Antimicrobial Resistance Policy, although it does not address the associated workforce risks.

The company reports a decrease in its Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) frequency rate per 100,000 hours, from 0.24 in FY2023 to 0.22 in FY2024. It also maintains a zero fatality rate for both years. The turnover rate is reported at 2.87% in FY2024, though this is not broken down by seniority level.

The company upholds its employees' right to freedom of association but does not disclose its workforce's unionisation rate. While it communicates its ethical trading policies to suppliers, it is unclear whether suppliers are required to adhere to these principles. It is only assumed that the company expects suppliers to respect employees' rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association. The company does not disclose any measures taken to support workers' rights.

The company supports collective bargaining rights and reports that three sites are unionised or have a collective bargaining agreement. However, it does not disclose the collective bargaining rate among its workforce. The company employs 11,191 permanent full-time employees, 355 permanent part-time employees, and 2,996 agency workers, noting that it does not use zero-hour contracts.

The company reports that its production facilities have received certifications recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), including BRCGS certifications, with 19 out of 23 facilities achieving a BRC grade of A or above. However, it does not clarify the certification status of the other three sites. Greater transparency on these sites is recommended. The company states that 100% of its animal protein suppliers are certified to a GFSI programme, while none of the independent producers hold such certification. Despite this, the company emphasises working closely with suppliers to enhance food safety but fails to disclose the total number of suppliers or to explain the categorisation between animal protein suppliers and independent producers. Consequently, the precise proportion of suppliers with GFSI certification remains unclear.

The company reports that 19 of its production facilities were audited according to the BRCGS Food Safety standard, noting a zero rate of major non-conformances and a 3.68 rate of minor non-conformances, with all minor issues corrected. It has implemented the Cranswick Manufacturing Standard (CMS) across all sites, enhancing safety, traceability, quality, and the provenance of raw ingredients and manufacturing processes. This standard allows the company to meet new customer specifications and ensure farm-to-fork traceability. However, it is unclear if this technology is accessible to consumers.

The company recognises food safety incidents as a material risk due to potential product recall costs, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. To strengthen its food safety and hygiene culture, it has established a crisis management procedure and launched the 'Brilliant Basics' campaign. Furthermore, it has restructured its audit process to comprehensively address food safety, integrity, and quality. The company reports three food safety-related recalls in FY24 and two in FY23. A product recall in May 2022, involving 284.8 kg, led to decreased revenue for the Cooked Poultry business unit, with final insurance receipts of £4.7 million claimed from the recall this year. In response to the three recalls in FY23, the company instituted additional food safety checks and internal training programmes. However, the company does not provide detailed information regarding its most recent recall and the lessons learned.

The company discloses no market bans in 2023.

The company states that the board is accountable for the sustainability strategy and objectives, annual planning, budgets, and approving capital expenditures for climate-related risks and opportunities. The company has conducted a risk assessment process to identify, evaluate, and mitigate material climate-related risks, ranking them by impact and time horizon. It uses a risk management framework to prioritise risks based on business impact and likelihood. Principal risks include climate change, adverse media attention, dependency on key customers and exports, livestock diseases, cyber security, health and safety, labour availability, and consumer demand. The board is responsible for approving and annually reviewing these risks. The company notes that Liz Barber, an independent director, has significant experience in sustainability and water usage. However, there is a recommendation for the company to disclose a board-level skills matrix detailing each member’s skills and experience in sustainability. One board member has expertise in food safety from experience as the CEO of the Food Standards Agency. The company does not report having a board member with expertise in product development and innovation.

The company links Executive Directors' long-term incentives to targets for emissions, energy intensity, and water intensity, with 15% of the FY24 award based on these sustainability measures. Under its LTIP scheme, Senior Executives receive nil-cost share options equivalent to 200% of their base salary. The company participates in DEFRA’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to improve animal welfare standards, collaborates with the UK Roundtable on Sustainable Soya and WWF for zero deforestation and decarbonisation, and is part of the Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials to promote responsible antibiotic use. The animal welfare brochure indicates membership in the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), where it discusses industry approaches to animal welfare. It is also a member of the British Poultry Council, as noted in its CDP disclosure. Further disclosure of all membership associations is encouraged. The company commits in its CDP climate questionnaire to align its policy engagement activities with the Paris Agreement's goals.

The company reports its investment in an Internal Carbon Innovation Fund aimed at reducing carbon emissions through innovation. Additionally, it has been ranked number one in the second annual edition of The Better Food Index, which assesses UK food companies on their social and environmental impact.

The company does not explicitly acknowledge that protein diversification is a material business issue. Furthermore, it has not yet set a time-bound target to diversify protein sources, nor does it report revenue or sales linked to alternative protein sources.

The company does not indicate an approach to diversifying its product range to include plant-based and alternative protein options.