Robust sales for Edinburgh grocer Margiotta's

MARGIOTTA, the family-owned deli and grocery chain well-known to Edinburgh shoppers over decades, has posted a robust advance in annual sales and profits.

Managing director Franco Margiotta attributes the sales results to tight cost control. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The company, led by managing director Franco Margiotta, who moved to Edinburgh from a village near Rome with his family more than 50 years ago, saw like-for-like sales grow by 6.5 per cent in its latest financial year to £8.06 million.

Operating profits rose to £184,880 from £142,968.

Margiotta said that tight cost control and maintaining the company’s reputation for quality and high levels of service had contributed to the strong financial performance in the year to 30 April.

The chain runs six stores across the city along with a cat­ering operation. It closed its branch in Northumberland Street in the New Town last year, blaming a mixture of competition and the business rates charged on the property.

But the company said its newest branch, at Polwarth Gardens, continues to see increased footfall and was benefitting from a refurbishment carried out last summer. The company said it was hopeful of further growth during the current financial year.