Food growth helps drive record profits for Midlands Co-op

Midlands Co-operative Society has reported half-year like-for-like sales growth of 2% in its food business.

The UK’s second biggest co-op said its food stores had performed particularly strongly in the six months to 6 August, with sales and profits both up.

Total retail sales, which include its fashion and home interests, were £270m. Total sales for the society were £512m, with a record profit of £18.9m.

It opened four new food stores during the period, completed 10 major store refurbishments and converted 40 stores to The Co-operative fascia.

“This strong performance reflects our commitment to maintaining consistently high standards across our food store estate and it has been particularly pleasing to see the hard work and ingenuity of colleagues recognised via industry awards,” said head of retail Michael Spencer.

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