Outlook ‘positive’

THE Hilton Food Group, owners of Grimsby based Seachill and supplier of salmon and other seafood to Tesco, said its trading outlook remained positive despite the crisis.

The group, which said it had a good cash flow, is expanding into the southern hemisphere via Australia and New Zealand, along with exploring further opportunities through Seachill.

It said in a trading update: ‘Hilton remains well placed to deliver continued growth over the medium term enhanced by further opportunities to develop our cross category business in both domestic and overseas markets.

‘Overall, during the currently evolving Covid-19 outbreak, we remain focused during these challenging times on the wellbeing of employees and working with our customers, themselves market leaders and key suppliers across our territories, to help meet the currently increasing consumer demand for protein based products.’

Its Saucy Fish brand has recently launched into the Australian market.

It adds: ‘We have also established a number of protocols to protect our people and to minimise contact with our groups.

‘All of our facilities remain fully operational, and in addition we have established business continuity and flexible buy models and supply options, which may be tested during this period as we continue to play our part in feeding the nation and supporting ongoing demand.’