Sales growth rises at Ocado

Online grocer Ocado said it expects year on year gross sales growth of around 13% for the 12 weeks ending 13 May as demand for online food shopping grows and it overcomes constraints at its warehouse in Hatfield.

The group, which sells mostly Waitrose products, said operational performance at its Hatfield customer fulfilment centre just north of London is now at record levels of capacity following operational difficulties last year.

Ocado said in a company statement, "A number of new enhancements have gone live in both the first and second quarter which will enable us to continue to expand our capacity, significantly extend our range, and improve our operational efficiency and customer service performance."

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It added that the construction of its second distribution hub at Dordon, Warwickshire, is progressing according to plan. Testing and commissioning is due to start over the summer and operations are still on track to start in the first quarter of 2013.

The board is encouraged by the progress of the business so far this year, it said.

CJ