Symbol group Nisa has posted a 17.7 per cent rise in fresh produce sales over the crucial Christmas trading period.
The company also saw a 2.2 per cent jump in like-for-like sales for the 10 weeks to 1 January after investing in seasonal promotions.
In particular, the ‘Festive 5’ promotion of fresh vegetables saw an overall sales value increase of 75 per cent including 130 per cent in parsnip sales, 101 per cent in Brussels sprouts sales and 288 per cent in carrot sales.
Nisa said the Festive 5 “led the way on festive vegetable pricing, and underpins its ambition to be the partner of choice for independent retailers.”
Chief executive Nick Read said: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to provide significantly greater investment in our promotions this Christmas to assist our members trading this festive period.
“We believe we have delivered a strong promotional mix to drive sales and footfall in our members’ stores. This has been possible due to the strong momentum the business has now built in its three year strategy, which has seen Nisa invest in and improve operational efficiencies while also delivering a consistently improving financial position.”
The company opened 77 new stores during the ten weeks, compared to 54 last year, and saw a “significant improvement in profitability”.
A strong Christmas trading performance follows recent contract wins for supply to MRG (McColls), for the 298 new stores they have recently acquired from Co-op, and Bourne Leisure for supply to their Butlins and Haven stores, Nisa said.
Both contracts were due to begin in the New Year with the value and volume benefits expected to benefit quarter one results from April 2017.
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