Catering now accounts for 39% of Landmark’s turnover making it the third largest supplier after Brakes and 3663, its annual conference in Toronto was informed.
Delegates from its 30 member companies and senior representatives from 37 leading suppliers were told by managing director Martin Williams that catering and foodservice were two of the key expansion areas for the group.
Foodservice currently represents 23% of turnover, with cash and carry catering sales adding an additional 16%. As part of its commitment to the sector Landmark has relaunched its Caterers Kitchen brand with new designs, and a foodservice own brand is under development.
Another key area for development, said Williams, was its Hot House retail development programme.
Marketing director Chris Rose said the average increase in sales following conversion was 39%. More than 160 store conversions have taken place during the past year and a similar number of stores are currently awaiting conversion.
Own brand was another important asset, said Rose. He described it as “the lifeblood of the business, Landmark’s unique selling proposition, which provides higher profit margins for wholesalers and their customers”.
Lifestyle sales to the year ending April were the best for 10 years, he said.
Landmark trading director John Searle revealed that group sales to April were ahead by 4%. He called for consistent cost prices and clarity across the business and said central invoicing was an issue that could make the whole process more efficient, more cost effective and add value.
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