DBC Foodservice reports strong December trading

DBC's figures show increases in sales across all customer areas, which include the independent catering sector, high street/profit sector, cost sector and contract distribution division. According to DBC, one of the key drivers for this growth was the launch of the company's new Food for Celebrations range, introduced at the end of September. The new range of frozen buffet party food and desserts was offered along with traditional Christmas fayre. Chris Horne, managing director of DBC Foodservice, said: "We are extremely pleased with this growth given the difficult economic climate and tough market trading conditions, and believe the results are a reflection of the confidence our customers had in DBC delivering Christmas successfully. "We also witnessed a shift in behaviour in the run-up to Christmas 2011, which saw a contraction in the traditional out-of-home 'party season', with functions being held primarily in December rather than the usual November through December period. "Sales at DBC were up on the previous year in both October and November, but the significant growth was achieved during December – mirroring a trend of last minute purchasing also reported in the retail sector. "The Food for Celebrations range had received a high level of press coverage in the run-up to Christmas which undoubtedly helped increase its profile and drove awareness, ultimately increasing sales. "We are looking forward to an exciting year in 2012 with a number of high-profile additional catering opportunities for eating out-of-home, including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Weekend and a summer packed with sporting events."