McBride enjoys sales growth

DETERGENT maker McBride has said that sales since July have increased by by around 2% on a constant currency basis, with its Eastern European business again leading the way.

The firm, which has operations in Bradford and Hull, said that growth had been achieved within all three of its European operations, though, and that trading is in line with expectations.

McBride, which makes private label washing powders and detergents for supermarkets and major retailers, said that raw materials costs were continuing to rise and that it is taking steps to recover these, but added that where this isn’t possible it would exit non-profitable businesses.

Chief executive Chris Bull said: “We have delivered a satisfactory start to the year in which we have continued to benefit from growth in Central and Eastern Europe and in our core categories. 

“Our initiatives to reduce supply chain costs are progressing according to plan.  Private label offers great value to consumers in the current economic environment, and we will maintain our focus on delivering that value through our innovative, high quality products and customer service.”