Hilton Food Group PLC on Tuesday reported a 11.5% rise in revenue on a constant-currency basis for the six months to June 30, 2026, as the food producer raised its full-year profit guidance and outlined expansion plans.
The company posted adjusted profit before tax from continuing operations of £32.8 million in the first half, while reported operating profit declined 3.4% to £45.8 million. Revenue totaled $7.26 billion over the last twelve months, with gross profit margin holding steady at 60.4%. Adjusted earnings per share came in at £0.257, while the interim dividend was maintained at £0.101.
Hilton Food Group lifted its full-year 2026 profit guidance for continuing operations to £66-71 million, up from the previous range of £60-65 million. The company also agreed to sell its vegetarian and vegan business, Dalco, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. The disposal follows a £16.7 million non-cash impairment charge related to the unit in the first half.
Volume growth remained positive, with overall volumes up 2.1% on continuing operations. Fresh prepared food volumes in Central Europe surged 26%, while seafood volumes rose 6%. The West region, which includes the U.K. and Ireland, saw revenue growth of 9%.
Capital expenditure totaled £15.4 million in the first half, with full-year core capex projected at around £100 million. The company’s Canada facility investment reached £80 million, with an additional £25 million expected in the second half to complete the project. A joint venture facility in Saudi Arabia is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, while Central Europe, particularly Poland, is undergoing a larger-than-anticipated expansion with scoping expected by year-end.
Net bank debt stood at just under £200 million, with leverage at 1.4 times, within the company’s target range of 1 to 2 times. Hilton Food Group’s revolving credit facilities total £450 million, available for at least the next five years.
Shares rose 14.82% to $725.80 in early trading, nearing the 52-week high of $727.00. The company’s market capitalization stood at $441 million, with a beta of 0.36.
