Bernard Matthews Foods saw turnover fall by £35.3m and its underlying operating performance deteriorate by £7.8m in 2025, with the business blaming the downturn partly on avian influenza.
Turnover fell from £240.5m in the 52 weeks to 29 December 2024 to £205.2m in the 52 weeks to 28 December 2025.
The poultry processor moved from an operating profit of £5.6m in 2024 to an operating loss of £2.2m in 2025.
The directors said the deterioration was “primarily driven by the impact of avian influenza as well as the under performance of the frying line”.
In January 2026, the company decided to close the frying line at its Holton facility as part of efforts to return the business to profitability. No exceptional costs relating to the closure were recognised in the 2025 accounts.
The move follows the closure of Bernard Matthews’ loss-making value-added production site at Great Witchingham in March 2024. The accounts state that the closure, alongside a continued focus on identifying efficiencies in the cost base, had contributed to improvements in the business.
Bernard Matthews Foods nevertheless reported a £1.45m loss before tax for 2025, compared with a £6.88m profit in 2024. After tax, the company reported a £3.11m profit, compared with £5.25m the previous year, reflecting a £4.56m tax credit.
The company said it had continued to make “large investments” in its remaining Holton production site to reshape and strengthen the business.
The latest accounts come as Bernard Matthews continues to restructure its manufacturing operations.
In August 2026, the company confirmed that its Derby processing facility will close on 20 December 2026, following a 45-day consultation. Around 600 workers are affected. The company said the decision followed “continued significant financial losses”, alongside external economic and geopolitical challenges affecting the site and its supply chain.
Bernard Matthews Foods remains dependent on financial support from its ultimate parent, Boparan Private Office, until it reaches a net asset position. The parent company has confirmed it will provide sufficient funds for the company to meet its liabilities as they fall due and will not seek repayment of its loan at this time.