Despite challenges facing the grocery sector as a whole, Morrisons has performed well with todays results hailing its tenth quarter of positive like-for-like sales growth. Morrisons turnaround under CEO David Potts has included the recent launch of cut-price Wonky vegetable ranges, and wholesale push through deals such as supplying partner McColl's through a rolling programme of about 25 stores per week. These stores receive fresh, frozen and ambient products from Morrisons, comprising both brands and the new Safeway range.
In its previous results statement, Morrisons attributed championing British supply chains and a surge in sales of local foods at the heart of its success. Morrisons said sales of local suppliers’ foods had risen 30% in the past two years after signing deals with more than 200 farmers and other local food producers, and tailoring stores to reflect regional tastes. The supermarket's largely UK supply chain had also helped to keep prices competitive in a market where the falling pound has increased the cost of imported food.
Following todays announcement, Potts said: "We are pleased to have made a strong start to the year, again becoming more competitive for customers while delivering growth on growth. We expect to continue to improve in the year ahead.
"During a busy period of exciting new ranges, new store openings, strong supermarket and wholesale growth, and the peaks and troughs of the seasons, our colleagues once again did an outstanding job for customers."