Sales at Brakes’ UK and Ireland business slumped by a third in the year to 4 July 2021 as the foodservice giant was hammered by the pandemic.
The figures were reported this week as part of accounts filed at Companies House for its parent company Sysco’s European business.
Sales at Brakes, which has been renamed Sysco GB, fell 34.9% to £1.3bn. The wholesaler was badly hit as the UK hospitality sector was shut down as a result of a nationwide lockdown in January 2021.
It said that the gradual lifting of restrictions in the spring had resulted in a significant recovery in operating volumes and that, while these volumes were still below pre-pandemic levels, the upwards trend was expected to continue.
“Brakes has made significant progress over the past year, enhancing our technical expertise, investing in operations and advancing our depot network development plans,” said Sysco GB CEO Peter Jackson.
“Using proprietary technology from our parent company Sysco, alongside investment in warehousing, transport and back-office technology, we will continue to enhance service levels for our customers.”
“We will continue investing in our award-winning food range and focus on giving an even higher-level service to customers, to strengthen our position as the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler.”
Across the wider European business, which also includes operations in France, Sweden, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg, sales fell by 25.7% to £2.6bn, while its pre-tax loss narrowed slightly from £234.6m to £217.8m.
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