Frozen ready meals maker and retailer Cook has boosted sales despite countless headwinds, new accounts show.
The Kent-headquartered chain, with 89 UK shops including 23 within the M25, bemoaned a string of problems in the year to March 31.
It said a heatwave dented demand for hot meals, there was “carnage” on the High Street, uncertainty around Brexit, and more caution among consumers.
Pre-tax profits were flat at £2.5 million in the year to March.
But turnover leapt nearly 10% to £64 million. It was helped by new stores and concessions opening. The company also cheered growth in online sales.
Best-selling dishes during the period included macaroni cheese, roasted vegetable lasagne and chicken, ham and leek pie.
Cook’s strategic report said: “We exit 2018/19 in excellent spirits.”
Cook was founded in 1997 by Edward Perry and Dale Penfold. In 2020 it will open a new kitchen to develop products. It is the biggest investment in the firm’s history.
