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Under 1% growth ‘satisfying’ Metro Cash & Carry, whose global representation no longer includes the UK or Egypt, where the two units were closed last year, managed a 0.9% like-for-like sales increase in the first quarter of its financial year. Total income for the period, however, declined marginally from 8.6bn euros to 8.5bn euros. Despite the skinny likefor-like rise, the directors described the result as a ‘satisfying’ improvement. In the period under review, 10 C&Cs were opened in nine countries. Echoing why the Dusseldorf-based group
decided to sell out to Booker in the UK, the board says of the Egyptian closures: “We saw no sustainable wholesale expansion opportunities there due to current affairs and the limited market position.” Like-for-like growth was reported for the Eastern European and Asian regions, with Russia, Poland and Turkey highlighted. In Germany and other parts of Western Europe,
however, like-for-like sales declined, although there was ‘slight sales growth’ in Spain and Italy. Two positive aspects of the overall C&C business were ‘distinctly positive’ food sales and a ‘double-digit’ increase in delivered takings.
Irish foodservice deal Irish cash & carry/wholesaler Musgrave MarketPlace has acquired the foodservice division of Dublin-based Allied Foods, which distributes ambient, chilled and frozen food to restaurants and fast-food outlets across the Irish Republic. “The acquisition will continue our long-term sustainable growth and strengthen our offer in foodservice, where we already supply over 45,000 pubs, hotels, restaurants and hospitality points,” Musgrave MarketPlace managing director Noel Keeley told Cash & Carry Management. “Our new customers will be able to access more than 16,000 chilled, frozen and dry food, alcohol and nonfood lines, as well as our own-brand range. They can also use our all-day online store.” The acquisition comes a year after Musgrave closed its Belfast and Ballymena
C&Cs, leaving its four remaining MarketPlace branches in Northern Ireland to concentrate on foodservice. There are also seven cash & carries in the Republic. Tel: Musgrave Group (003531) 452 2100.
Switch in emphasis.
Good vibes at Booker Sales of Booker Group in the 16 weeks to 3 January, including Makro branches, rose by 19.1%, with nontobacco business up by 29.3% and tobacco ahead by 1.6%. Like-for-like figures showed 2% improvement (4.1% for non-tobacco and minus 1.7% for tobacco). Chief executive Charles Wilson said that the Makro turnaround is progressing well. But with certain consumer products – notably TV sets – being withdrawn from the chain, non-tobacco sales were down by 5.9% in the period under review. However, cash and profit were “in line with expectations”. There were also positive signs for Booker’s six Indian branches, the C&C side, Booker Direct, Ritter, Classic, Chef Direct (supplying over 250,000 meals a day to its clients) and the Premier, retail club and Shop Local 2 Go divisions. Tel: Booker Group (01933) 371000.
Energy and isotonic additions Best-in energy drink FULL ON has been launched by Bestway Group. In a black, red and silver can, the product contains a range of vitamins, including Niacin, B6 and B12. Trading manager Nick Brown said: “For some adult consumers, there is still a stigmatism towards ownlabel, and they want a brand ‘badge’ that will reflect their lifestyle choices. “FULL ON, with its highly distinctive and premium
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packaging, satisfies need for a modern, premium yet valuefor-money stimulation drink.” The drink is price-marked at 35p and is available at a launch price of £3.79 for 24 x 250ml cans, giving a profit on return of 45.8%. The own label has also added a lemon flavour to its
their
isotonic sports drinks portfolio, which already includes orange, berry, raspberry and tropical. Best-in isotonic sports drinks are available in a 500ml sports-cap PET, 12 to an outer, and have a dual branded price point of 49p or ‘2 for 90p’. Tel: Bestway Group 020-8453 1234.
Cash & Carry Management
• February 2014 • 7