Meat Business Women Renews Partnership with ABP and Cranswick to Drive Gender Inclusivity Across the Meat Industry

Meat Business Women is proud to announce the renewal of its partnerships with long-standing partners ABP UK, ABP Linden, ABP Ireland & Poland, and Cranswick plc to further gender inclusivity across the meat industry. As of today, all employees at ABP sites will have unlimited access to Meat Business Women’s membership resources, while Cranswick, after a successful unlimited membership trial in 2024, is expanding its partnership with Meat Business Women to continue providing support to employees across its operations.

ABP’s Unlimited Membership Access for Employees

Through this renewed three-year partnership, ABP has ensured that every employee in the UK, Ireland, and Poland has full access to MBW’s professional development resources, which include mentoring, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. This strategic investment supports ABP’s commitment to increasing gender balance in a traditionally male-dominated sector and responds to findings in MBW’s 2023 Gender Representation Report, which revealed that women currently represent just 33.5% of the meat industry workforce.

By making MBW resources available to all employees, ABP aims to actively support the attraction, retention, and advancement of female talent.

Cranswick’s Successful Trial and Continued Partnership with MBW

As a leading UK poultry processor, Cranswick trialled unlimited MBW membership access in 2024, seeing a notable increase in female membership and engagement from male allies. The positive outcomes from this trial, including enhanced workplace diversity and support networks, encouraged Cranswick to extend the partnership for a further two years, promoting gender inclusivity throughout the organisation.

This commitment from Cranswick directly addresses Meat Business Women’s report findings on gender representation, showcasing the company’s role in promoting women in the sector.

Strengthening the Meat Industry’s Commitment to Gender Inclusion

Both ABP and Cranswick understand that fostering gender inclusivity brings tangible business benefits, such as improved retention, greater employee engagement, and access to a diverse talent pipeline. By equipping their teams with MBW resources, ABP and Cranswick are setting a standard for the industry and helping to build pathways for women to advance into leadership.

“ABP and Cranswick are setting the bar high for gender inclusivity within the meat sector,” says Laura Ryan, Founder and Global Chair of Meat Business Women. “Their commitment to unlimited membership access is a testament to the importance they place on supporting women and allies alike, which drives meaningful progress across the industry.”