High-end supermarket chain Booths returned to the black for the first time since 2015 as its sales jumped to record levels during its latest financial year.
The Lancashire-headquartered company, which can trace its roots back to 1847, has reported a pre-tax profit of £1.8m for the 12 months to March 27, 2021, up from a loss of £4.1m during the prior year.
Its turnover also increased from £267.8m to £284.1m over the same time.
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The company, which is still run by the Booth family, serves Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
The number of employees increased during the year from 3,076 to 3,208, according to documents filed with Companies House.
The last time Booths reported a pre-tax profit was in the year to March 2015.
Since that £1m profit, its losses have varied from between £4.1m and £13.5m.
A statement signed off by the board, chairman and chief executive Edwin Booth said: "The board continued to focus on transforming the business into a multi-faceted retailer, despite the ever-changing lockdown guidelines and are pleased to report that we are on track to restore sustainable profitable growth.
"2020/21 was an extraordinary year in retail grocery and we encountered dramatic shifts in buying patterns which put our logistics, supply and retail teams under extreme pressure.
"It is a testament to the renewed culture throughout Booths that everyone was able to achieve high performance while 'living in the moment'.
"The early part of the year saw some panic buying with sporadic supply of some staple products while we concentrated on keeping our colleagues and customers safe.
"What ensued was a rollercoaster of restrictions with a Christmas trading period where sales exceeded expectations.
"Throughout the year out suppliers have been a magnificent support and we have done our best to support those who were adversely impacted by the hospitality sector being closed for extended periods."
