British biscuits and loose leaf tea have helped drive the sixth successive year of double-digit sales growth at Fortnum & Mason.
The upmarket department store reported that its profits had risen 26% to £9.6m and overall sales were up 12% to £126m in its financial results for the year ending July 2018.
Fortnum & Mason said its UK domestic consumer base had continued to strengthen with sales of both loose leaf tea and British biscuits up 21% each.
It also noted that its success “demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to be more relevant, to more people, more often”.
Online sales rose by 21%, and the business benefited from growth overseas, particularly in Hong Kong where sales went up 55%. Products were delivered to a record 125 countries worldwide, and sales at its travel sites at St Pancras and Heathrow Terminal 5 increased by 12%.
Turnover at the company’s restaurant at 45 Jermyn St was up 18% on the previous year, while like-for-like sales at the flagship store in London’s Piccadilly rose 10%.
“This year has not been without its challenges, but we’re proud to report another exceptional trading period,” said Ewan Venters, CEO of Fortnum & Mason.
“By being faithful to our heritage and pedigree, focusing on the creation of extraordinary products and exceptional service, and delivering our world-renowned products to customers anywhere in the world, I am pleased that we are able to meet the growing demand for quality and impeccably-sourced products.”
Last month, the business launched two new ranges of Fortnums Fancies, one of which was infused with its best-selling teas.
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