The UK's largest poultry supplier, Boparan Holdings, has expressed cautious optimism for its future despite facing pressures from the Iran war and government regulation. The parent company of 2 Sisters Food Group and Bernard Matthews reported strong progress over the past year, cutting its debts and delivering stronger profits.
Pre-tax profits surged to £108.3 million for the year ending July 2025, up from £35.5 million the previous year. The company, led by Ranjit Singh Boparan, known as The Chicken King, supplies chicken to major retailers including M&S and the Co-op. The financial boost was partly driven by the sale of 2 Sisters' European poultry business to Boparan's private family office in 2024.
Continued turnover grew by 8.5% to £2.38 billion. Mr. Singh Boparan commented: "These results demonstrate how our next generation strategy has continued to gain momentum during the past 12 months as we transform our business. We remain committed to investing in our factories and utilising advanced technologies, helping to grow our core business while supporting our sustainability ambitions."
The results come amid a challenging environment for the food supply industry, with the Middle East conflict threatening to drive up energy prices. The UK government has also prepared contingency plans to avoid food shortages in the event of a worst-case scenario involving carbon dioxide supply disruptions.
The company stated: "Looking ahead, the group remains cautiously optimistic while recognising continued uncertainty in the uncontrollable external environment including ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, in addition to changes in Government policy and regulation. Challenges with limited farm space and food security in the UK highlights the need for close collaboration with Government and local authorities to address planning issues. Cost-of-living pressures will remain a significant factor for many households and are likely to see increased preference for meals prepared at home."
Boparan also announced investments in sustainability initiatives, including redeveloping its chicken feed to replace nearly a quarter of imported soyameal with British-grown oilseed rape and beans. This investment is expected to inject approximately £50 million into British agriculture and enhance local food security.
