Bestway reports strong 2016 as chilled delivers triple-digit growth

Bumper sales of fresh, chilled and food to go helped Bestway deliver 19% growth in its sales to Best-one members year on year.

Since July last year, the wholesaler’s chilled distribution centre has benefited from a sales increase of more than 110%, while fresh and food to go sales also had triple-digit growth.

Its 2016 results also showed growth in the number of stores in its symbol group and a rise in retailers using its My Rewards rebate scheme.

“Most retailers would bite your hand off for the level of growth that Best-one is achieving – double digit growth in all categories including alcohol, confectionery and grocery, and an 8% increase in tobacco sales,” said James Hall symbol development director at Bestway.

He also pointed to Bestway’s decision to double the size of its Best-one field team last year to ensure each member receives two calls per month – one to focus on sales and the other on business development.

“Most companies are cutting back on feet on the ground whereas we are doing the complete opposite,” added Hall.

We continue to invest significantly in upskilling the development team to ensure members have the right tools, range, sales mix and category flow throughout the store.”

Bestway has also announced that it will revamp its depots this year. At the end of last year, Bestway said it had put a three-year plan in place to take Best-one to “the top of symbol group retailing”.