Bakkavor factory workers hold tray of bread rolls  2100x1400

Top story:

Bakkavor grew revenue by 4% to £2.2bn last year despite supply disruption caused by strike action at one of its major factories.

The UK performed strongest with sales up 5.2% to £1.9bn thanks to improved volumes and price rises.

Elsewhere, China and the US fell by 4.3% and 0.7% respectively, the company said in a trading update for the 52 weeks to 28 December 2024. 

China’s sales fell due to the sale of its regional bakery business in April, although volumes strengthened due to a strong retail performance and new foodservice customers.

Full story: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/bakkavor-revenue-grows-4-despite-strike-fueled-shortages/699852.article

Morning update:

Deliveroo saw “robust” growth in the Christmas quarter with customer spending and profitability both growing in line with guidance.

Gross-transaction-value (GTV) - the total cost of people’s baskets plus delivery fees - rose 7% to £1.97bn in the period, led by growth in the UK and Ireland which was up 9%.

Deliveroo said there were “encouraging signs” from its enhanced Plus loyalty programme and strong growth in grocery.

Full story: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/deliveroos-souped-up-loyalty-programme-giving-aggregator-app-a-boost/699856.article

European discounter Pepco Group said its struggling Poundland business performed poorly in the final quarter of the year with underlying revenue down 7.3%.

Poundland’s decline was largely caused by weakness in the clothing and general merchandise segment, the group said, as well as ongoing challenging market conditions.

Full story: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/poundlands-weak-trading-carries-into-new-financial-year-and-christmas/699855.article