2 Sisters Food Group is braced for one of its 'toughest' years

Reporting results for the first quarter of its financial year, Mr Boparan said: "The positive momentum we saw across the group in our last financial year continues in our quarter one results, but we expect strong headwinds in 2017 and the business is taking action now to prepare for these challenges.

"The market remains very difficult following the uncertainties around the UK's decision to leave the EU. Currency-driven inflation and the price-pressured retail grocery market will make next year one of our toughest."

Parent group Boparan Holdings said total sales at 2 Sisters rose 5.1% to £818.3 million in the three months to the end of October.

Pre-tax profits were £1.1m up at £18.7m, with improvements at both its chilled and branded divisions.

The group has grown to employ 23,000 people with sites across the UK and Europe as well as its plants in West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Smethwick. As well as owning the Goodfellas Pizza and Fox's Biscuits brands it processes six million chickens a week – producing a third of all the poultry eaten in the UK every day.

Mr Boparan said the emphasis had been on improving cost efficiencies and expanding capabilities at its sites in Scunthorpe and Derby and 2 Sisters introduced new ranges such as Christmas sandwiches.

He added: "We are well positioned to negotiate the predicted 2017 headwinds and to ensure we deliver for customers on quality, service and price."