Bidcorp has delivered a strong performance for the half year to December 2024 in a challenging economic
and trading environment. We have increased our revenue by 7,1% in constant currency, and after adjusting
for our relevant food-basket inflation and acquisitions, we have grown the business by around 5% in real
organic terms.
Currency volatility negatively impacted our rand financial performance by 4,0%, however, in constant
currency measures, headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 10,0% to 1 267,1 cents per
share (H1F2024: 1 152,4 cents per share). Basic earnings per share (EPS) has declined by 2,0% to
1 120,7 cents per share primarily due to the non-cash losses incurred on the exit of our German
operations.
In terms of our divisions, the UK delivered an improved performance in its core foodservice operations,
and also benefited from an acquisition to supplement the regional independent activities. Emerging
Markets saw an excellent performance from our South African businesses. However, activity in Greater
China remains subdued by the macro environment. European businesses produced a good performance
under difficult macro conditions, with growth in revenues and trading profits. Almost every business
delivered a stronger result. Trading conditions in Australasia are challenging, however, both Australia
and New Zealand delivered solid trading performances.
Our global teams are to be commended for adapting to prevailing market conditions and again,
successfully delivering our strategic foodservice focus. Our entrepreneurial spirit and decentralised
operating model continued to contribute to our success.
Activity levels in Q1 were impacted by unseasonally cold and wet September weather in the Northern
Hemisphere, coupled with extreme weather-related flooding in Eastern Europe, to the detriment of our
UK and European businesses, however, there was an improvement into Q2 and the festive season. Food
inflation has disappeared, however, cost inflation remains sticky, driven by ongoing wage pressures from
labour availability, particularly in the warehouse and driver categories. As economic conditions have
tightened in many geographies, customers have become more price-sensitive and competition has
increased.
Investment activity, primarily into new distribution capacity, has continued to cater for current and future
growth. Acquisition activity has increased with eight bolt-on opportunities concluded in the period.
Distribution
The board has declared an interim cash dividend of 560,0 cents per share for the half year ended
December 31 2024 (H1F2024: 525,0 cents per share), an increase of 6,7% and approximately 2,2 times
HEPS cover, in line with group policy.
Financial overview
Net revenue of R117,9 billion (H1F2024: R113,8 billion) rose by 3,6% (constant currency increase of
7,1%), reflecting both organic and acquisitive growth, despite non-existent food inflation and weak
consumer demand.
Gross profit percentage at 24,1% (H1F2024: 23,7%) held up very well, particularly as management in
several businesses aggressively sacrificed some margin to maintain volumes and achieve market share
growth. Supply chain disruptions, particularly arising from the Red Sea crisis, resulted in a measure of
over-stocked positions. Businesses are continually refining their sales mix, reducing the low-margin,
low-return customers, the benefits of which have assisted in offsetting the structurally lower margins
in the UK.
The overall cost-of-doing-business increased to 18,8% (H1F2024: 18,5%), driven primarily by higher cost
inflation, which is persistently tracking higher than food inflation. The increase in gross margins has more
than offset the increased cost. Labour, which accounts for around two-thirds of the cost base, remained
high as relatively full employment in many countries creates competition for a scarce pool of talent. We
continually look at innovative solutions, however, we are efficient and operate a high-service model in
growing markets.
Group trading profit increased by 6,8% to R6,3 billion (H1F2024: R5,9 billion) and 10,7% in constant
currency. H1F2025 trading profit margins improved to 5,3%, slightly higher than H1F2024 at 5,2%.
Net finance charges (excluding IFRS 16 charges) were flat at R319,1 million (H1F2024: R317,5 million),
a good outcome despite investments into working capital of R2,7 billion, R5,5 billion into facility
expansions and acquisitions, all in the context of a higher interest rate environment in all markets.
Overall free cash flow is slightly weaker than H1F2024 but within expectations considering the investments
made in the period. Bidcorp absorbed working capital of R2,7 billion in line with normal seasonality,
however, R0,8 billion less than H1F2024 despite higher activity levels but aided by a lower average rand
exchange rate. All working capital metrics were in line with expectations, with average net working capital
days at 11,7 days (H1F2024: 10,1 days). Working capital percentage to revenue at 4,4% (H1F2024: 4,0%)
is well within our normalised target of 4,0% to 5,0%.
Gross capital investments in property, plant, and equipment of R3,3 billion (H1F2024: R2,9 billion) remains
elevated but includes R1,7 billion of expansionary investments in new capacity, the largest portion of which
has been in the UK.
Non-IFRS 16 net debt to EBITDA at 0,6x (0,5x on H1F2024) is higher but within expectations considering
working capital cycles, capital investments and acquisitions. Non-IFRS 16 EBITDA interest cover is at
22,7x (H1F2024: 20,7x), both well within group covenants.
Strategy
Bidcorp's strategic focus remains on the wholesaling of food and allied products to the eating-out-of-home
market through developing our Own Brand and imports, moving into niche value-add manufacturing, focusing on growth through selling to the correct mix of customers, serviced by well-located infrastructure,
and enabled by world-class technology solutions. Growth is further supplemented by in-territory bolt-on
acquisitions to expand geographic reach and product range, or via strategic acquisitions to enter new
markets.
Each of our businesses is at differing stages of maturity and development along our foodservice
continuum, some of which are developing and focused on building scale, while the more mature
operations are focused on their value-add proposition to their customers. The unique interaction of these
various components is what continues to propel each business forward. We believe in each business'
autonomy and manage them independently, however, encourage cooperation and sharing of ideas and
learnings, with the aim to maximise the benefit of our global scale, experience, expertise and combined
intellectual property for the collective benefit of the group.
Prospects
Activity levels through January and into February have held up in line with our expectations, considering
that these are slow trading periods due to the Northern Hemisphere winter and Chinese New Year. Food
inflation is anticipated to remain muted, however, cost inflation, mainly derived from high wage levels, is
likely to remain sticky. Consumer spend is anticipated to remain under pressure as the cost-of-living crisis
continues, with high interest rates likely to prevail. Despite the short-term pressures in many jurisdictions,
the medium- to long-term growth fundamentals of the foodservice industry remain positive.
We continue to invest into strategic distribution facilities to provide for future capacity as well as value-added
manufacturing opportunities. These investments come at a short-term cost in terms of profitability,
but we remain of the view that these are the correct long-term decisions to ensure the future growth of
the businesses. New technologies for renewable energy, refrigeration, energy efficiency, and logistics
optimisation remain a strategic imperative to minimising our environmental impact.
Eight bolt-on acquisitions were concluded in the half year, with several more opportunities under
consideration. The pipeline of opportunities, both in-country expansion as well as new geographies
is plentiful, however, the successful completion thereof is not guaranteed.
Continued investment is being made into our ecommerce and customer relationship platforms to enhance
customer experiences, streamline operations and promote resilience and efficiencies. Our significant data
knowledge of our businesses operating in multiple geographies is enabling the development of sales
opportunities, margin optimisation, inventory management, as well as operating efficiencies through the
potential of AI solutions.
We believe we have the right strategy, excellent management teams and people, and the business model
to continue to perform in the period ahead. Consumer conditions are likely to remain subdued, geopolitics
volatile and unpredictable, however, we will adapt and maximise the opportunities which inevitably arise.
Our focus remains on what we can control and not on what we cannot, and therefore, we are anticipating
to continue to deliver real growth in the period ahead.
DIVISIONAL REVIEW
Australasia
A commendable result for Australia and New Zealand in tough economic conditions. Revenue and
trading profit in constant currency are above the prior period at R24,2 billion (H1F2024: R23,7 billion)
and R1,9 billion (H1F2024: R1,8 billion), respectively. Economic growth is under pressure with ongoing
cost-of-living pressures and a high-interest rate environment.
Australia achieved a good result in weak macro conditions, reporting like-for-like real sales growth of
3,4% assisted by new business wins, exit from sub-optimal contracts, growth in the respective sales
baskets, and focus on growing the imports and manufacturing contributions. Focus on identifying and
growing talent within our business is a priority with the launch of a leadership development programme.
Investment into new, purpose-built facilities, such as the new cheese manufacturing plant, will provide
increased efficiencies, redundancy and capacity for growth. Land was purchased in Brisbane, the
Canberra and Toowoomba builds were finalised, and a new Sydney facility has been commissioned.
Our ESG credentials are a competitive advantage as customer attention to environmental and social
impacts increases. We are continually reducing our carbon footprint through efficiencies in solar power
generation and carbon-neutral refrigeration solutions.
New Zealand had a difficult first half with the economy in recession. Management utilised the opportunity
to strategically rethink their sales approach to focus on market share growth, and to ensure we are well
positioned to take advantage when the economic recovery happens. The strategic reset has already
started to deliver, as Q2 showed an increase in both sales and volumes, despite the foodservice market
reportedly being down between 10% and 30% in segments.
Simply Foods Solutions acquired the Wild Nation business (from December 2024), rebranding this to
Prepared Produce Hawkes Bay. Capital investment includes the Christchurch meat plant and the
Wellington and Waipapa branches. The Taupo site, which opened in July 2024, is scaling quickly.
Although conditions were challenging and are likely to persist, management has adapted to the new
reality and is confident that the strategic reset has positioned us favourably for the future.
United Kingdon (UK)
Bidcorp UK grew revenue in constant currency by 7,2% to R34,6 billion (H1F2024: R32,3 billion). Trading
profit growth was also up 30,4% to R1,2 billion (H1F2024: R0,9 billion) – a positive outcome off the back
of a tough environment where a poor summer dampened consumer spend in Q1, and the political rhetoric
of "tough times ahead" subdued spend and investment activities in Q2.
Wholesale delivered improved growth from additional categories and new customer wins, with freetrade
and national accounts growing 12% and 5%, respectively. Margins were positively impacted through
excellent first-half contract renewals and good buying income growth. New contract wins bode well for
further sales growth into H2. However, the legislated NI increase is effective from April 2025.
Fresh's performance was slightly down but still respectable, impacted by the subdued consumer spend
in the independent trade. Caterfood Buying Group (CBG) results were boosted by the Turner Price
acquisition (from July 2024), which is trading in line with expectations. Volumes in CBG remain challenged
by subdued consumer spend. Manufacturing is profitable again and focused on rebuilding its product
range.
Several digital and software projects are underway to support improved operating efficiencies, all
supported by a robust security environment and investment into suitable hardware infrastructure.
The 2024 Bidfood UK Sustainability report has been published online, reporting progress against our aim
to be a "positive force for change in the foodservice sector".
Europe
Europe continues to perform well, sales held up well despite the poor weather through the Northern
Hemisphere summer and general economic pressures. In constant currency, revenue growth was up
10,0% to R44,8 billion (H1F2024: R40,7 billion), and trading profit results were up 9,9% to R2,5 billion
(H1F2024: R2,3 billion).
Netherlands grew revenue with positive volumes and contribution growth from the regional hospitality
sector. Procurement initiatives and forward buying contributed. Operating costs are up, driven by the
increase in minimum wage. Completion of The Hague property is on track for March 2025.
Belgium had a good start to the year, reporting an impressive H1 increase in sales and trading profit,
bolstered by the VDS acquisition (from September 2024). Catering performance for the half year was
good, but Hospitality is under increased market pressure. Logistics division is holding up satisfactorily.
Czech Republic and Slovakia met expectations with revenue growth while also maintaining margins
despite flooding disruptions in September. Good growth in foodservice volumes was achieved, albeit at
intentionally slightly lower margins. Investment in the Czech Republic and Slovakia continues, new depots
in Prešov (Slovakia) and Planá (South Czechia) will be completed in F2026, and the South Bohemia depot
will open in March 2025.
Poland achieved excellent results, with increased market share and margins benefiting from a product mix
of fresh and Own Brand imports ranges. Costs were elevated due mainly to the legislated minimum wage
increase.
Italy performed at expectation. Higher sales were offset by the additional costs incurred as the new Rome
depot became fully operational. Construction of a new depot in Padua is in process. Two small bolt-on
acquisitions are under consideration.
Spain maintained the positive momentum from H2F2024. Results were bolstered by the Colofruit
acquisition in Barcelona (from November 2024). Sales growth was achieved through growing the protein
range and the focus is on cross-selling between businesses. The Barcelona and San Sebastian depot
construction projects are on track.
Portugal delivered a solid result despite the difficult economic environment. Pricing pressures impacted
national accounts, however, the business is transitioning to a more freetrade market focus. The new depot
in Lisbon is due to be completed in April 2025, and in Porto, construction is to commence in February
2025. A small acquisition in the Algarve region has been completed post half-year end.
Baltics' organic performance was good, including a contribution from the Cesars acquisition in Latvia
(from July 2024). A Lithuanian acquisition has been identified, with negotiations underway. Investment into
additional distribution capacity in Latvia and Estonia is planned.
Germany incurred a small loss in the period. Strategically, the business has struggled to scale, and
management decided to dispose of it with effect from December 2024. Although a non-cash loss has
been incurred on exit, Bidcorp has retained ownership of the property under a lease arrangement with
the new owners.
Emerging Markets
Emerging Markets delivered a solid performance, consolidating a mixed bag of results across a diverse
spread of economic environments. Revenue in constant currency was up 6,8% to R18,3 billion (H1F2024:
R17,1 billion), and trading profit was up 10,6% to R1,0 billion (H1F2024: R0,9 billion).
Bidcorp Food Africa (BCFA), including Bidfood South Africa (BSA) and Crown Food Group (CFG) posted
excellent results in an environment of limited economic growth, high interest rates and much lower food
inflation.
BSA grew significantly above food inflation, with excellent growth in the street trade segment. National
accounts were impacted by the exit of a QSR customer, however, hotel and airline catering activity has
come back strongly. Results also benefited from the full impact of the H2F2024 acquisition of Unick Foods.
BSA continues to improve its IT environment, and further investment was made into solar power
generation.
CFG had an outstanding performance in the half year. Meat price deflation increased affordability and
demand for CFG's core products. Competition in the market is heightened, but CFG has maintained its
brand position. A small acquisition, Dairy Innovation (from December 2024), complements and extends
CFG's range.
Chipkins Puratos (50% equity-accounted joint venture) performed well in the half year, securing significant
new national accounts, the full benefits will be seen ahead. Sales in the artisan channel increased as
power reliability returned.
Bidfood Middle East (BME) delivered improved revenues despite broad challenges within the region.
Ongoing regional instability impacts supply chains and costs.
Türkiye's first-half results improved with foodservice and imports growth exceeded expectations, but the
market conditions remain challenging. The focus remains on building scale to strengthen its geographic
footprint and accordingly, a bolt-on acquisition was completed in January 2025
.
Singapore delivered an improved Q2 performance versus Q1, albeit below H1F2024, signalling the
business is moving forward. A new Food Innovation facility was successfully commissioned, opening
significant opportunities. The improving sales trend is encouraging with Protein categories volumes
restored.
Malaysia continues to grow well, reporting strong sales momentum. The construction of a new facility
is underway in Kuala Lumpur, which will improve efficiencies and lower costs.
Greater China (including Hong Kong) continued to be impacted by the macro environment, however,
even with sales slightly behind H1F2024, like-for-like profitability was up through rigorous margin and cost
management. Management's aim is to continue on winning market share by diversifying the customer base
and product range. The near-term outlook remains muted, but management is confident in a steady
recovery in the overall business.
Brazil's performance was at expectation, an improvement on prior period results. Growth has been
achieved through operational efficiencies and reducing costs, all in a negative economic environment.
Management's focus is on customer engagement and the sales team service levels.
Chile continued to improve its performance as the myBidfood implementation continues to support
growth and customer penetration. Establishing a strong sales team in the branches has delivered
excellent results.
Argentina, now a subsidiary of the group (from October 2024), performed to expectation and ahead
of the prior period. Focus on product range diversification and margin management is a priority in the
dis-hyperinflationary and volatile environment.
Corporate
The BidOne digital commerce system has been adopted by most of the businesses in the group. Security
remains a top priority with plans to leverage AI to benefit our operations.
BPC sources a wide variety of quality, ethically produced food and non-food items for group companies.
BPC continues to grow its reach in terms of products procured and supply chain footprint.
BL Berson Chief executive officer
DE Cleasby Chief financial officer
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
In line with the group dividend policy, the directors declared an interim cash dividend of 560,0 cents
(448,0 cents net of dividend withholding tax, where applicable) per ordinary share for the six months ended
December 31 2024 to those members registered on the record date, being Friday, March 28 2025.
The dividend will be paid out of income reserves. A dividend withholding tax of 20% is applicable to all
shareholders who were not exempt.
Share code:
BID
ISIN:
ZAE000216537
Company registration number:
1995/008615/06
Company tax reference number:
9040946841
Gross cash dividend amount per share:
560,0 cents
Net dividend amount per share:
448,0 cents
Issued shares at declaration date:
336 904 212
Declaration date:
Wednesday, February 26 2025
Last day to trade cum dividend on the JSE:
Tuesday, March 25 2025
First trading day ex dividend on the JSE:
Wednesday, March 26 2025
Record date:
Friday, March 28 2025
Payment date:
Monday, March 31 2025
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, March 26 2025 to Friday, March 28 2025, both days inclusive.
COMMENT
Bidcorp has delivered a strong performance for the half year to December 2024 in a challenging economic and trading environment. We have increased our revenue by 7,1% in constant currency, and after adjusting for our relevant food-basket inflation and acquisitions, we have grown the business by around 5% in real organic terms.
Currency volatility negatively impacted our rand financial performance by 4,0%, however, in constant currency measures, headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 10,0% to 1 267,1 cents per share (H1F2024: 1 152,4 cents per share). Basic earnings per share (EPS) has declined by 2,0% to 1 120,7 cents per share primarily due to the non-cash losses incurred on the exit of our German operations.
In terms of our divisions, the UK delivered an improved performance in its core foodservice operations, and also benefited from an acquisition to supplement the regional independent activities. Emerging Markets saw an excellent performance from our South African businesses. However, activity in Greater China remains subdued by the macro environment. European businesses produced a good performance under difficult macro conditions, with growth in revenues and trading profits. Almost every business delivered a stronger result. Trading conditions in Australasia are challenging, however, both Australia and New Zealand delivered solid trading performances.
Our global teams are to be commended for adapting to prevailing market conditions and again, successfully delivering our strategic foodservice focus. Our entrepreneurial spirit and decentralised operating model continued to contribute to our success.
Activity levels in Q1 were impacted by unseasonally cold and wet September weather in the Northern Hemisphere, coupled with extreme weather-related flooding in Eastern Europe, to the detriment of our UK and European businesses, however, there was an improvement into Q2 and the festive season. Food inflation has disappeared, however, cost inflation remains sticky, driven by ongoing wage pressures from labour availability, particularly in the warehouse and driver categories. As economic conditions have tightened in many geographies, customers have become more price-sensitive and competition has increased.
Investment activity, primarily into new distribution capacity, has continued to cater for current and future growth. Acquisition activity has increased with eight bolt-on opportunities concluded in the period.
Distribution
The board has declared an interim cash dividend of 560,0 cents per share for the half year ended December 31 2024 (H1F2024: 525,0 cents per share), an increase of 6,7% and approximately 2,2 times HEPS cover, in line with group policy.
Financial overview
Net revenue of R117,9 billion (H1F2024: R113,8 billion) rose by 3,6% (constant currency increase of 7,1%), reflecting both organic and acquisitive growth, despite non-existent food inflation and weak consumer demand.
Gross profit percentage at 24,1% (H1F2024: 23,7%) held up very well, particularly as management in several businesses aggressively sacrificed some margin to maintain volumes and achieve market share growth. Supply chain disruptions, particularly arising from the Red Sea crisis, resulted in a measure of over-stocked positions. Businesses are continually refining their sales mix, reducing the low-margin, low-return customers, the benefits of which have assisted in offsetting the structurally lower margins in the UK.
The overall cost-of-doing-business increased to 18,8% (H1F2024: 18,5%), driven primarily by higher cost inflation, which is persistently tracking higher than food inflation. The increase in gross margins has more than offset the increased cost. Labour, which accounts for around two-thirds of the cost base, remained high as relatively full employment in many countries creates competition for a scarce pool of talent. We continually look at innovative solutions, however, we are efficient and operate a high-service model in growing markets.
Group trading profit increased by 6,8% to R6,3 billion (H1F2024: R5,9 billion) and 10,7% in constant currency. H1F2025 trading profit margins improved to 5,3%, slightly higher than H1F2024 at 5,2%.
Net finance charges (excluding IFRS 16 charges) were flat at R319,1 million (H1F2024: R317,5 million), a good outcome despite investments into working capital of R2,7 billion, R5,5 billion into facility expansions and acquisitions, all in the context of a higher interest rate environment in all markets.
Overall free cash flow is slightly weaker than H1F2024 but within expectations considering the investments made in the period. Bidcorp absorbed working capital of R2,7 billion in line with normal seasonality, however, R0,8 billion less than H1F2024 despite higher activity levels but aided by a lower average rand exchange rate. All working capital metrics were in line with expectations, with average net working capital days at 11,7 days (H1F2024: 10,1 days). Working capital percentage to revenue at 4,4% (H1F2024: 4,0%) is well within our normalised target of 4,0% to 5,0%.
Gross capital investments in property, plant, and equipment of R3,3 billion (H1F2024: R2,9 billion) remains elevated but includes R1,7 billion of expansionary investments in new capacity, the largest portion of which has been in the UK.
Non-IFRS 16 net debt to EBITDA at 0,6x (0,5x on H1F2024) is higher but within expectations considering working capital cycles, capital investments and acquisitions. Non-IFRS 16 EBITDA interest cover is at 22,7x (H1F2024: 20,7x), both well within group covenants.
Strategy
Bidcorp's strategic focus remains on the wholesaling of food and allied products to the eating-out-of-home market through developing our Own Brand and imports, moving into niche value-add manufacturing, focusing on growth through selling to the correct mix of customers, serviced by well-located infrastructure, and enabled by world-class technology solutions. Growth is further supplemented by in-territory bolt-on acquisitions to expand geographic reach and product range, or via strategic acquisitions to enter new markets.
Each of our businesses is at differing stages of maturity and development along our foodservice continuum, some of which are developing and focused on building scale, while the more mature operations are focused on their value-add proposition to their customers. The unique interaction of these various components is what continues to propel each business forward. We believe in each business' autonomy and manage them independently, however, encourage cooperation and sharing of ideas and learnings, with the aim to maximise the benefit of our global scale, experience, expertise and combined intellectual property for the collective benefit of the group.
Prospects
Activity levels through January and into February have held up in line with our expectations, considering that these are slow trading periods due to the Northern Hemisphere winter and Chinese New Year. Food inflation is anticipated to remain muted, however, cost inflation, mainly derived from high wage levels, is likely to remain sticky. Consumer spend is anticipated to remain under pressure as the cost-of-living crisis continues, with high interest rates likely to prevail. Despite the short-term pressures in many jurisdictions, the medium- to long-term growth fundamentals of the foodservice industry remain positive.
We continue to invest into strategic distribution facilities to provide for future capacity as well as value-added manufacturing opportunities. These investments come at a short-term cost in terms of profitability, but we remain of the view that these are the correct long-term decisions to ensure the future growth of the businesses. New technologies for renewable energy, refrigeration, energy efficiency, and logistics optimisation remain a strategic imperative to minimising our environmental impact.
Eight bolt-on acquisitions were concluded in the half year, with several more opportunities under consideration. The pipeline of opportunities, both in-country expansion as well as new geographies is plentiful, however, the successful completion thereof is not guaranteed.
Continued investment is being made into our ecommerce and customer relationship platforms to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations and promote resilience and efficiencies. Our significant data knowledge of our businesses operating in multiple geographies is enabling the development of sales opportunities, margin optimisation, inventory management, as well as operating efficiencies through the potential of AI solutions.
We believe we have the right strategy, excellent management teams and people, and the business model to continue to perform in the period ahead. Consumer conditions are likely to remain subdued, geopolitics volatile and unpredictable, however, we will adapt and maximise the opportunities which inevitably arise. Our focus remains on what we can control and not on what we cannot, and therefore, we are anticipating to continue to deliver real growth in the period ahead.
DIVISIONAL REVIEW
Australasia
A commendable result for Australia and New Zealand in tough economic conditions. Revenue and trading profit in constant currency are above the prior period at R24,2 billion (H1F2024: R23,7 billion) and R1,9 billion (H1F2024: R1,8 billion), respectively. Economic growth is under pressure with ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a high-interest rate environment.
Australia achieved a good result in weak macro conditions, reporting like-for-like real sales growth of 3,4% assisted by new business wins, exit from sub-optimal contracts, growth in the respective sales baskets, and focus on growing the imports and manufacturing contributions. Focus on identifying and growing talent within our business is a priority with the launch of a leadership development programme.
Investment into new, purpose-built facilities, such as the new cheese manufacturing plant, will provide increased efficiencies, redundancy and capacity for growth. Land was purchased in Brisbane, the Canberra and Toowoomba builds were finalised, and a new Sydney facility has been commissioned.
Our ESG credentials are a competitive advantage as customer attention to environmental and social impacts increases. We are continually reducing our carbon footprint through efficiencies in solar power generation and carbon-neutral refrigeration solutions.
New Zealand had a difficult first half with the economy in recession. Management utilised the opportunity to strategically rethink their sales approach to focus on market share growth, and to ensure we are well positioned to take advantage when the economic recovery happens. The strategic reset has already started to deliver, as Q2 showed an increase in both sales and volumes, despite the foodservice market reportedly being down between 10% and 30% in segments.
Simply Foods Solutions acquired the Wild Nation business (from December 2024), rebranding this to Prepared Produce Hawkes Bay. Capital investment includes the Christchurch meat plant and the Wellington and Waipapa branches. The Taupo site, which opened in July 2024, is scaling quickly.
Although conditions were challenging and are likely to persist, management has adapted to the new reality and is confident that the strategic reset has positioned us favourably for the future.
United Kingdon (UK)
Bidcorp UK grew revenue in constant currency by 7,2% to R34,6 billion (H1F2024: R32,3 billion). Trading profit growth was also up 30,4% to R1,2 billion (H1F2024: R0,9 billion) – a positive outcome off the back of a tough environment where a poor summer dampened consumer spend in Q1, and the political rhetoric of "tough times ahead" subdued spend and investment activities in Q2.
Wholesale delivered improved growth from additional categories and new customer wins, with freetrade and national accounts growing 12% and 5%, respectively. Margins were positively impacted through excellent first-half contract renewals and good buying income growth. New contract wins bode well for further sales growth into H2. However, the legislated NI increase is effective from April 2025.
Fresh's performance was slightly down but still respectable, impacted by the subdued consumer spend in the independent trade. Caterfood Buying Group (CBG) results were boosted by the Turner Price acquisition (from July 2024), which is trading in line with expectations. Volumes in CBG remain challenged by subdued consumer spend. Manufacturing is profitable again and focused on rebuilding its product range.
Several digital and software projects are underway to support improved operating efficiencies, all supported by a robust security environment and investment into suitable hardware infrastructure.
The 2024 Bidfood UK Sustainability report has been published online, reporting progress against our aim to be a "positive force for change in the foodservice sector".
Europe
Europe continues to perform well, sales held up well despite the poor weather through the Northern Hemisphere summer and general economic pressures. In constant currency, revenue growth was up 10,0% to R44,8 billion (H1F2024: R40,7 billion), and trading profit results were up 9,9% to R2,5 billion (H1F2024: R2,3 billion).
Netherlands grew revenue with positive volumes and contribution growth from the regional hospitality sector. Procurement initiatives and forward buying contributed. Operating costs are up, driven by the increase in minimum wage. Completion of The Hague property is on track for March 2025.
Belgium had a good start to the year, reporting an impressive H1 increase in sales and trading profit, bolstered by the VDS acquisition (from September 2024). Catering performance for the half year was good, but Hospitality is under increased market pressure. Logistics division is holding up satisfactorily.
Czech Republic and Slovakia met expectations with revenue growth while also maintaining margins despite flooding disruptions in September. Good growth in foodservice volumes was achieved, albeit at intentionally slightly lower margins. Investment in the Czech Republic and Slovakia continues, new depots in Prešov (Slovakia) and Planá (South Czechia) will be completed in F2026, and the South Bohemia depot will open in March 2025.
Poland achieved excellent results, with increased market share and margins benefiting from a product mix of fresh and Own Brand imports ranges. Costs were elevated due mainly to the legislated minimum wage increase.
Italy performed at expectation. Higher sales were offset by the additional costs incurred as the new Rome depot became fully operational. Construction of a new depot in Padua is in process. Two small bolt-on acquisitions are under consideration.
Spain maintained the positive momentum from H2F2024. Results were bolstered by the Colofruit acquisition in Barcelona (from November 2024). Sales growth was achieved through growing the protein range and the focus is on cross-selling between businesses. The Barcelona and San Sebastian depot construction projects are on track.
Portugal delivered a solid result despite the difficult economic environment. Pricing pressures impacted national accounts, however, the business is transitioning to a more freetrade market focus. The new depot in Lisbon is due to be completed in April 2025, and in Porto, construction is to commence in February 2025. A small acquisition in the Algarve region has been completed post half-year end.
Baltics' organic performance was good, including a contribution from the Cesars acquisition in Latvia (from July 2024). A Lithuanian acquisition has been identified, with negotiations underway. Investment into additional distribution capacity in Latvia and Estonia is planned.
Germany incurred a small loss in the period. Strategically, the business has struggled to scale, and management decided to dispose of it with effect from December 2024. Although a non-cash loss has been incurred on exit, Bidcorp has retained ownership of the property under a lease arrangement with the new owners.
Emerging Markets
Emerging Markets delivered a solid performance, consolidating a mixed bag of results across a diverse spread of economic environments. Revenue in constant currency was up 6,8% to R18,3 billion (H1F2024: R17,1 billion), and trading profit was up 10,6% to R1,0 billion (H1F2024: R0,9 billion).
Bidcorp Food Africa (BCFA), including Bidfood South Africa (BSA) and Crown Food Group (CFG) posted excellent results in an environment of limited economic growth, high interest rates and much lower food inflation.
BSA grew significantly above food inflation, with excellent growth in the street trade segment. National accounts were impacted by the exit of a QSR customer, however, hotel and airline catering activity has come back strongly. Results also benefited from the full impact of the H2F2024 acquisition of Unick Foods. BSA continues to improve its IT environment, and further investment was made into solar power generation.
CFG had an outstanding performance in the half year. Meat price deflation increased affordability and demand for CFG's core products. Competition in the market is heightened, but CFG has maintained its brand position. A small acquisition, Dairy Innovation (from December 2024), complements and extends CFG's range.
Chipkins Puratos (50% equity-accounted joint venture) performed well in the half year, securing significant new national accounts, the full benefits will be seen ahead. Sales in the artisan channel increased as power reliability returned.
Bidfood Middle East (BME) delivered improved revenues despite broad challenges within the region. Ongoing regional instability impacts supply chains and costs.
Türkiye's first-half results improved with foodservice and imports growth exceeded expectations, but the market conditions remain challenging. The focus remains on building scale to strengthen its geographic footprint and accordingly, a bolt-on acquisition was completed in January 2025
.Singapore delivered an improved Q2 performance versus Q1, albeit below H1F2024, signalling the business is moving forward. A new Food Innovation facility was successfully commissioned, opening significant opportunities. The improving sales trend is encouraging with Protein categories volumes restored.
Malaysia continues to grow well, reporting strong sales momentum. The construction of a new facility is underway in Kuala Lumpur, which will improve efficiencies and lower costs.
Greater China (including Hong Kong) continued to be impacted by the macro environment, however, even with sales slightly behind H1F2024, like-for-like profitability was up through rigorous margin and cost management. Management's aim is to continue on winning market share by diversifying the customer base and product range. The near-term outlook remains muted, but management is confident in a steady recovery in the overall business.
Brazil's performance was at expectation, an improvement on prior period results. Growth has been achieved through operational efficiencies and reducing costs, all in a negative economic environment. Management's focus is on customer engagement and the sales team service levels.
Chile continued to improve its performance as the myBidfood implementation continues to support growth and customer penetration. Establishing a strong sales team in the branches has delivered excellent results.
Argentina, now a subsidiary of the group (from October 2024), performed to expectation and ahead of the prior period. Focus on product range diversification and margin management is a priority in the dis-hyperinflationary and volatile environment.
Corporate
The BidOne digital commerce system has been adopted by most of the businesses in the group. Security remains a top priority with plans to leverage AI to benefit our operations.
BPC sources a wide variety of quality, ethically produced food and non-food items for group companies. BPC continues to grow its reach in terms of products procured and supply chain footprint.
BL Berson
Chief executive officer
DE Cleasby
Chief financial officer
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
In line with the group dividend policy, the directors declared an interim cash dividend of 560,0 cents (448,0 cents net of dividend withholding tax, where applicable) per ordinary share for the six months ended December 31 2024 to those members registered on the record date, being Friday, March 28 2025.
The dividend will be paid out of income reserves. A dividend withholding tax of 20% is applicable to all shareholders who were not exempt.
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, March 26 2025 to Friday, March 28 2025, both days inclusive.
For and on behalf of the board
Johannesburg
February 26 2025