Domino’s sold 12 pizzas every second in ‘busiest week ever’ in run-up to Christmas

Company aiming to keep hold of market share as UK delivery sector grows

Domino’s has reported its “busiest week ever” in the run-up to Christmas, with record sales on the night of the Strictly Come Dancing final.

Sales in the UK and Ireland rose 6.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year, with online sales rising 10.8 per cent.

On 15 December, the night of the Strictly final, the company reached an online record, with sales jumping 25 per cent compared with the same day in 2017.

Meanwhile, on the Friday before Christmas a record 535,000 pizzas were sold, equivalent to 12 pizzas every second.

David Wild, chief executive officer at Domino’s, said: “I’m pleased with the continued strong performance in the UK and Ireland.

“Our international businesses offer significant long-term potential, but we have experienced growing pains this year, particularly in Norway, where we have faced business integration challenges.

“Looking ahead, we will invest further in robust teams and infrastructure in our newer markets, to create a solid platform for profitable growth.”

Mr Wild said the group intends to maintain its share of the delivery market.

The company expects growth to continue in the UK in 2019, and plans to add a similar number of stores to 2018, when it opened 59 new branches.

Domino’s plans to invest in its international business, which “will have an impact on overall profitability in the short term”.

However, the firm said: “We are confident of the long-term opportunities these markets offer. At this early stage we expect international to break even in 2019.”