Glasgow-based United Wholesale Grocers has announced record growth.
The family-owned wholesaler reported a 19.6% rise in turnover to £148m for the year ending December 2018 while profit before tax increased to £2m from £900,000. Like-for-like sales excluding the company’s Gateshead depot – which was acquired in June 2018 – increased by £9.4m.
“These are absolutely fantastic results and we couldn’t be more delighted,” said UWG’s Managing Director Amaan Ramzan (pictured). “The industry is extremely competitive, and we continue to keep our core prices at market-leading levels to provide the best possible margin for our customers. We focus on actively engaging with our customers to fully understand their needs and this is leading to excellent sales.”
UWG pounced on an opportunity to move into the north-east of England last year when AF Blakemore offloaded its 12 depots, including the Gateshead site.
“Opening our new Gateshead depot has obviously played an integral part in the overall growth of the business, although both Glasgow depots have performed strongly too,” said Ramzan. “In the past year we have invested heavily in our depots and our team, and we will continue to do so as we plan for the future.”
