Conviviality’s group revenues soar 211%

Conviviality’s group revenues hit £783 million in the first half of the year, as the firm includes figures from Matthew Clark, Peppermint and Bibendum PLB Group for the first time.

Conviviality’s group revenues hit £783 million in the first half of the year

In a trading update spanning 26 weeks to 30 October 2016, group unaudited revenues for the period were up 211%, reaching £783m – more than double last year’s results of £252m.

Following the acquisitions of Matthew Clark in October 2015, Peppermint in December 2015 and Bibendum PLB Group in May 2016, the firm was organised into three key business units: Conviviality Direct, wholesaler; Conviviality Retail, off-licence chain; and Conviviality Trading, full service brand and wine agency.

The firm says it is is making “strong progress “with the integration of Matthew Clark and Bibendum PLB Group ahead of plan, adding that the plan to deliver synergies “remains on track”.

Conviviality Direct sales are up 5.2%, generating sales of £515m in the 26 weeks to 30 October; while Conviviality Retail sales have risen 2.5%, generating £189m, up from £184m in the same period last year. ‘Like for like’ sales are up 1.7%, and stores opened since 2012 continue to trade “strongly” with ‘like for like’ store revenue up 1.1%.

Conviviality Trading generated sales of £79m in the 26 weeks to 30 October 2016 – up 5.1% due to strong growth in Peppermint.

Diana Hunter, chief executive officer of Conviviality, said: “I am pleased that the Group has delivered this strong performance across all divisions during such a transformational period. This further demonstrates the teamwork and dedication of all of our people in maintaining excellent levels of service to their customers.

“The organic growth in each business unit demonstrates that existing and new customers are increasingly recognising Conviviality as the leading solution provider and distributor to the UK drinks market.”

Conviviality will announce its confirmed H1 results for the period on 30 January 2017, and added that it “continues to perform in-line with market expectations” for the 52 week period ending 30 April 2017.