Member Article

Sittingbourne ready meal maker reports pretax profit growth of 39%

Frozen ready meal retailer and manufacturer Cook based in Sittingbourne sees pre-tax profits grow by 39% to 2.4 million in year ending March 31, 2014.

According to Kent Online, Cook’s turnover has risen to £35.8 million, up from £31.9 million last year.

Cook, which runs 77 branded shops selling meals prepared at a kitchen in Sittingbourne, saw its total sales grow by 12%, with like-for-like sales in shops open for at least a year up 3.2%.

The firm runs a national home delivery service and supplies to over 350 independent shops in the UK.

For the year up to March 31, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation or amortisation were £3.25 million.

The firm’s overheads were reduced marginally 35.6% to 35.4%, down from a peak of 38.4% in 2008-09.

The firm reported the closure of three under-performing stores during the year and the opening of five – one company-owned and four franchises.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .