FOOD and drink wholesaler JW Filshill has raised turnover and profit margins on the back of strength in its international craft beer and spirits division and tight cost-control, writes Brian Donnelly
The firm said it moved to offset the decline in tobacco sales in its latest financial year and its export sales, particularly to Asia, are now “contributing profitably” to the group.
Glasgow-based Filshill, one of Scotland’s oldest independent food and drink wholesalers, saw turnover increase 1.9 per cent to £145 million in the year ending January 31, 2018, up from £142m the previous year.
Profits before tax for 2018 waere £896,000 up from £888,000 the year before.
Simon Hannah, managing director of the fifth-generation family business, said the group had delivered constant growth throughout the year in a market that remains challenging.
He said the company, which supplies 183 KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England, is in a strong position "given current market conditions".
Mr Hannah declared: “Turnover, when compared to the previous year after adjusting for the continuing market-wide decline in tobacco revenue, showed adjusted growth of 6.7%.
“The strong performance in non-tobacco categories including soft drinks, grocery, food to go and fresh and chilled foods, and this change in the mix of business, helped to drive up gross margin, with the uplift during the year 6.6%.”
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