Wholesaler AF Blakemore has reported an annual sales increase of 3.9% to £1.24bn, with the rise underpinned by its Spar stores.

The figure was revealed in the firm’s latest trading results for the year ending 30 April 2023. Blakemore supplies and helps manage 262 Spar stores in England and Wales.

Overall, sales in its food retail, food service and wholesale divisions also saw a boost during the period. Volumes in food service and wholesale have also returned to pre-pandemic levels.

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Chairman Peter Blakemore attributed Spar’s performance to food-to-go and viral products.

He said: “Spar stores have consistently invested in customer needs for fresh food to go and convenient fresh food for later categories, alongside innovative promotions and new to market product launches, such as Prime Hydration. These initiatives have contributed to a notable increase in like-for-like sales.”

The wholesaler added that the current financial year is on an upwards trajectory.

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