Fresh sales leap at Londis after investment

Sales of fresh food have leapt up 26% year-on-year at Londis stores following investment by symbol operator Musgrave into its range and infrastructure.

Musgrave ploughed £4m into a new fleet of dual temperature delivery vehicles last year, and has also expanded its product range and offered promotional support to retailers.

Fresh milk sales increased the most, doubling over the past 12 months. Musgrave said offering milk through its retailer service centres allowed it to pass on reduced wholesale prices to retailers and increase the frequency of deliveries. It is now adding more lines for retailers to stock, including regional variants such as Cornish and West Country milk.

Produce sales grew 33% as Londis increased the number of seasonal lines and added price-marked packs and smaller case sizes. Musgrave said the top 21 selling produce lines offered retailers a minimum 32% POR.

“We now have an extensive fresh range with over 1,300 lines,” said Londis sales director Paul Courtney. “We’re driving the range of best sellers into all Londis stores, providing innovative wholesale deals and supporting retailers as they embrace fresh that’s relevant to their stores.”

Londis now plans to double fresh sales over the next three years.