By James Atkinson
Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM) performed strongly in the financial year ended 30 April 2013 with sales growth of 24.9 per cent and EBITA up 35 per cent to $47 million, parent company Metcash reported today.
Metcash said ALM's performance was driven by its new contract with Liquor Marketing Group (LMG) as well as improved execution and a better retail offer at store level, which also drove organic growth in the underlying business.
"The increased volume has been successfully integrated across the network enabling improved operating leverage to reduce the average cost of doing business," Metcash said.
"Not only did the liquor pillar maintain its position as having the second largest retail footprint, it continued to grow volume while the overall market declined."
Metcash said ALM subsidiary Independent Brands Australia (IBA) rolled out five larger format Cellarbrations Superstore outlets that have performed very well with suppliers responding positively.
"Three hotel acquisitions were made during the year and this strategy will continue to be pursued as opportunities present themselves," Metcash said.
"This will assist in supporting parts of the existing retail network while introducing new wholesale revenue streams."
Metcash Limited announced an increase in group wholesale sales of 3.8 per cent to $13.0 billion. Reported profit after tax rose 129 per cent to $206 million.