Online orders grow at Matthew Clark

Matthew Clark has reported Christmas orders through its online wine platform rose by almost a third in volume since 2015.

The distributor, part of drinks giant supplier Conviviality plc, saw online sales through its Matthew Clark Live platform in December jump 27% by value and 29% in terms of volume (number of orders place) compared to 2015, as pubs, bars, and restaurants stocked up ahead of a busy festive period.

As a result it was the company’s most successful ever month, it said.

Prosecco accounted for three of its five best-selling products, but there was also a good performance in Spirits, particularly vodka, which accounted for the other two spots.

However there was a regional variation, with Yorkshire seeing demand for vodka, and accounting for 40% of online orders coming, Greater London accounting for a third of non-vintage Champagne orders (31%) while gin was most popular in London, and the South West saw strong port and sherry sales.

Matthew Clark’s marketing director Geoff Brown said customers’ feedback highlighted the time saved ordering through its online platform.

“Features such as being able to order any time, anywhere, as well as the speedy repeat order function have contributed to December being our biggest month yet for online ordering, and we expect more and more of our customers to be taking advantage of this service in 2017 and beyond,” he said.

Conviviality reported strong Christmas sales, which helped boost its half-year profits by 285%.