Online pizza boost

FOLLOWING a slow start, Domino’s online pizza ordering service is doing well in Ireland, as the group reports a 15% increase in sales over the Christmas period.

Domino’s said it expects annual profit to beat analysts’ estimates after on-line sales climbed in its Irish and British stores.

It said revenue gained 18% in the six weeks to December 30 and annual online sales jumped 61%.

The online service was launched in Ireland last summer following a successful roll-out in Britain.

The pizza maker said yesterday that they are very pleased with its performance in Ireland after an initial slow take-up.

Chief executive Chris Moore said: “Our strong sales performance was fuelled by the strong marketing of new products, continual improvement in customer service times and the superior quality of our product.”

The company has plans to expand its operations in Ireland over the coming years.

Last year Domino’s opened four new stores in Ireland and 26 in Britain.

Domino’s said last year that to cater for increasing demand in Ireland it plans to expand the size of its food preparation facility at Naas, Co Kildare.

The company aims to add 50 outlets a year, with the bulk in central and northern England. Domino’s shares fell 5% last year after surging almost eighteenfold in the prior six years.