Conviviality retail sales jump amid year of 'unprecedented' change

The business, which is pursuing a strategy to add to its franchised off-licence chains and become a drinks wholesaler, said retail sales spiked 6.1% to £374m in the year to April 30.

In a pre-close trading update, Conviviality said like-for-like retail sales in the second half of its financial year increased 1.5% excluding tobacco.

The company, which also owns the Wine Rack fascia, has acquired Matthew Clark and Bibendum to drive its ambition to become the UK’s leading wholesaler and distributor.

Its Conviviality Direct wholesale business grew sales 6.4% to £1.04bn during the year, driven by a 1.6% increase in the number of outlets it operates and a 4.8% jump in sales per outlet.

The smallest of its three divisions, the Conviviality Trading brand agency and outdoor events arm, registered a 1% sales incline to £146m.

Conviviality’s total group sales almost doubled to £1.56bn, compared to £841m the prior year.

‘Unprecedented year’

Chief executive Diana Hunter said: “We have come to the end of an unprecedented year of change and I am pleased to report a strong trading performance for the group and for each of its business units.

“We have made great progress on the integration of Matthew Clark and the acquisition and integration of Bibendum PLB Group.

“Our focus will continue to be on improving the business and ensuring that benefits are realised from our greater scale, as we drive efficiencies for the Group and greater service for our customers.”