Metcash has released its results for the year ending 30 April 2026, with liquor delivering a “resilient result” for the company, with sales increasing by 1% to $5.4 billion and market share rising to 32.3%.

EBIT was $100.1 million, slightly lower than the prior year due to softer first-half trading, but the business delivered a stronger second half, which Metcash attributed to “shopper demand for convenience and localised offers” increasing.

Metcash CEO Doug Jones said: “We are winning with independents because we combine the benefits of scale with the agility
and community connection of local ownership. This combination is difficult to replicate and continues to underpin our performance across all pillars.

“In liquor, we grew revenue by 1%, which was ahead of the market, and increased share to 32.3%. While EBIT was lower, the business delivered a stronger second half, supported by diversified channels and our independents’ agility, shopper-led range, value and service.”

Jones told the Australian Financial Review shoppers have re-opened their wallets this month, following a soft trading period as the Middle East conflict raised concerns about resurgent inflation.

“What we see in these turbulent times … is that immediately after a shock, you get a pullback in spending, but it settles down quite quickly,” he said. “We operate in the essentials category – people need to eat and drink. There was a reversion to the long-term trend in June.”

Trading update and outlook

Metcash said Group sales have made a steady start to FY27, “reflecting softer trading conditions in May followed by a clear improvement in June”.

The company said food and liquor experienced a subdued May, “as consumer sentiment softened in response to geopolitical uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures”. However, both pillars have recovered well in the first three weeks of June, trading in line with FY26 growth levels as conditions stabilised.