Metcash has given an update at its 2024 Annual General Meeting on its year-to-date liquor sales, which are up 2.7%.
Metcash Chairman Peter Birtles said the business continued to outperform the market, win share and deliver strong earnings growth. However, he noted there were difficult trading conditions ahead due to cost-of-living pressures on consumers in the lead up to Christmas.
“The current economic conditions remain challenging and continue to impact consumer confidence,” he said.
“As a result, we expect the shift in consumer behaviour to more value-conscious choices to remain in FY25.
“The company’s platform of three diversified businesses is fundamentally strong, and we have the right plans, teams and capabilities in place to deliver future growth as we work through the current economic cycle.”
In the current financial year to date, Metcash liquor sales highlights included:
- Total sales increased 2.7% with continued growth in wholesale sales to retail and on-premise customers
- Wholesale sales to IBA retail customer +5.8%
- Wholesale sales to contract customers +1.7%
- Wholesale sales to on-premise customers -0.9%
Metcash said growth momentum in the liquor pillar had accelerated in FY24 with independents “again winning market share underpinned by the relevance of their localised offer”.
“The IBA independent network has outperformed in a more challenging environment buoyed by further improvements to network quality and competitiveness.”
National ALM On-Premise Awards winners announced
Last week Australian Liquor Marketers celebrated the achievements of its On-Premise field teams and supplier partners at its Inaugural National ALM On-Premise Awards night in Sydney.
ALM On-Premise Business Development Manager of the Year 2024 was Jacqueline Hamilton, Eastern Region. Jacqueline Hamilton, ALM On-Premise Supplier of the Year 2024 was Accolade Wines and the People’s Award Supplier of the Year 2024 was Lion.
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