Scottish wholesaler CJ Lang sees increase in sales and profit in Covid year

Revenue and profit were up for Scottish SPAR wholesaler CJ Lang & Son Ltd for the year-ending 30 April 2021, which it attributed for its “strategy for growth.”

The Dundee-based firm has seen turnover growing to £212.5 million, up 9.4 per cent on the previous year, with pre-tax profits rising to £3m, against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

“As a genuinely Scottish business, we have been able to adapt quickly and react flexibly to the changing Scottish retail landscape and continue to provide a first-class service to our consumers, independent retail customers and local communities at a time when they have needed us most,” Colin McLean, CJ Lang chief executive, commented.

In the last year, the wholesaler has invested over £2m in the roll out of their food-to-go offer, CJ’s, which will be in the majority of their company-owned stores by the end of this year. As part of their business transformation programme, they have recently announced record levels of future investment into the company-owned store estate, with a major programme of store refurbishment works commencing from 2022.

“This will facilitate an improved SPAR customer offer across both chilled and produce categories. We are focused on providing our customers with excellent service, together with the best local products and an award-winning SPAR brand range,” McLean said, adding that they have also continued to grow their independent customer base, whilst making improvements to product offer, to meet the changing customer needs within convenience retailing.

He expressed optimism for the coming period despite retail market environment remaining extremely challenging. “Inflationary cost pressures, supply chain impacts, driver and fuel shortages have been well documented, however we remain well positioned to navigate these challenges,” he said.