Belfast-based WKD owner toasts increase in firm’s sales to £545m
company behind popular drinks Shloer, WKD and an array of other consumer brands has reported a 17% jump in sales to £545.7m in its latest results.
Belfast-based privately-owned family firm SHS Group markets, sells and distributes grocery and healthcare products.
It also manufactures and sells drinks like the non-alcoholic Shloer, as well as firelighters and matches, and in the food category, condiments and sauces.
Its portfolio of alcoholic beverages includes pre-mixed WKD and cider brand Merrydown.
Chif executive: Elaine Birchall
SHS Group’s report and financial statements for 2017 revealed a slight fall in pre-tax profits from £24.8m to £24.4m.
However, as a result of acquisitions, the firm’s headcount swelled from 781 to 878.
The firm’s highest paid direcTHE tor received £995,000 during 2017, including pension contributions.
In a strategic report accompany the results, the firm summed up 2017 as a year of “top line growth, driven by innovation, new business, brand investment and acquisitions”.
During the year the company acquired No&More infused water and Standard Brands, the Surry-based owner of Zip and Sunny Jim firelighters.
The strategic report states: “Group trading performance was as expected despite a challenging business environment, results were enhanced by prudent management of operating costs and foreign exchange exposures. The directors consider, in the light of prevailing economic and market conditions, the results for the period and the prospects for the future are both satisfactory.”
The drinks division had developed new channels and markets, the report said, and the sales and marketing divisions had delivered double-digit growth.
Condiments and sauces also kept its spot as market-leader for private-label herbs and spices.
During the year the company added £62m in sales in the UK to reach £489m, while sales in the rest of the world grew from £40.3m to £56.5m.
In February — following the period covered by the most recent results — the firm announced it had paid an undisclosed sum for 3V Group in Hampshire.
The move adding trendy nut butter brand Meridian to its portfolio.
Rocks, a brand of organic squashes, is owned by 3V. Meridian also makes almond butter, cashew butter and sunflower seed butter and manufactures fruit spreads and nut bars.
The company is owned by the Sloan and Salters families. Its board includes members of both families, as well as chief executive Elaine Birchall and her predecessor Michael Howard.