C-store group Budgens is to increase its fresh food offer by 10 per cent, following a successful trial in 27 stores.
Fresh food has become a key weapon in the convenience store battleground and Budgens has learned lessons from its Irish parent Musgrave.
Budgens chief executive Martin Hyson said that 500 fresh lines were tried during the test and as much of that range as possible will be introduced in all 179 stores.
The retailer plans to open up to 10 company-owned stores a year, while expanding its franchised Local business from 55 outlets to approximately 200 by 2007. Budgens will also revamp its smaller Express stores using the same design as Musgrave's Centra shops, with focus on fresh food and over-the-counter service.
Last month, Musgrave posted a 22 per cent increase in sales to EUR2.8 billion (£1.97 billion) for 2002. Pre-tax profit was up 22 per cent to EUR57.6 million (£40.6 million).
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