Too cold for fizzy pop says Iceland parent
Big Food Group has seen like-for-like sales decline by 3.3 per cent in the 13 weeks to October 1.

The Iceland chain saw even greater falls of 3.9 per cent compared with the equivalent period last year. Like-for-like sales for the group and Iceland in the 26-week period to October 1 were down 1.9 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively.

The retailer said consolidation in the food sector had made the trading environment tougher and blamed the poor summer for the decline in sales of soft drinks and other seasonal products. BFG noted that 45 Iceland refits had been completed during the period and one new store had been added to the estate.

BFG chief executive officer Bill Grimsey said: 'Trading has remained tough in the food sector in recent months for both retailers and suppliers. We now look to the important third quarter, where our plans for the Christmas period will be implemented with determination; to provide our customers with a bigger and better Christmas value package this year, while exploring the approach from Baugur.'

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