By James Atkinson
Woolworths Liquor opened 16 Dan Murphy's stores during the 2012-13 financial year, driving total liquor sales for the division of $7.2 billion.
Woolworths director of liquor Brad Banducci yesterday said total liquor sales were up 8.9 per cent on the previous year (7 per cent adjusted for the 53rd week).
The retailer said highlights for the year include the re-branding of all Woolworths Liquor sites to BWS.
"Dan Murphy's continues to lead multi-option innovation in liquor with Click & Collect and mobile both resonating well with our customers," Woolworths said.
Australian Food and Liquor sales for the year were $40.0 billion, an increase of $2.5 billion or 6.6 per cent on the previous year (4.7 per cent adjusted for the 53rd week).
Comparable store sales in Australian Food and Liquor increased 2.7 per cent for the year and 2.9 per cent for the fourth quarter (Easter-adjusted), roughly in line with analysts' expectations.
Food sales boost ALH
Hotel sales for the year were $1.5 billion, an increase of 22 per cent on the previous year or 19.7 per cent adjusted for the 53rd week.
Sales for the fourth quarter were $357 million, an increase of 30.8 per cent on the previous year or 19.6 per cent adjusted for Easter and the 53rd week.
Comparable sales for the year increased 10.5 per cent and 11.9 per cent for the fourth quarter after adjusting for Easter.
Woolworths said ALH Group's sales growth was driven by hotel acquisitions during the first half of the financial year and the Victorian gaming regulatory changes, which came into effect in August 2012.
ALH Group CEO Bruce Mathieson Jnr said: "This is a pleasing result and reflects our focus on developing the 'family friendly' features of our venues including an improved food offer in terms of quality and value."
"The year has not been without its challenges with subdued bar sales across most States and the impact of the removal of ATMs from venues in Victoria as a result of the gaming regulatory changes."