THE Crewe-based Bargain Booze owner Conviviality Retail has posted a rise in annual profits on wine sales up 10% and said it was modernising its brands using Facebook and click-and-collect services.

The group, which has 624 stores also including Wine Rack, said pre-tax profits before exceptional items grew 4.4% to £9.7 million for the year to April 26.

Revenues for the group, which operates its business through a network of franchisees, rose 2.4% to £364.1 million reversing a 4.3% fall in the prior year, though like-for-like sales fell 1.7%.

Chief executive Diana Hunter said: "This is a strong set of results reflecting the hard work of our employees, franchisees and suppliers.

"Looking forward we will continue to help more of our franchisees grow their existing business while also working to attract new franchisees to the group.

"The significant change we have driven over the last two years leaves us in a strong position to now drive growth into the business."

The year saw expansion including the acquisition of 31 Rhythm and Booze stores. 

Conviviality said it had successfully launched a mobile app generating more than 30,000 downloads and piloted click-and-collect across 66 stores.

The group also said it had the highest number of "active Facebook fans" in the sector at 68,000 and was actively using social media to communicate offers and promotions. It plans to hike the final dividend by 5% to 6.3p.

Shares in Aim-listed Conviviality were suspended last week after it confirmed it was in talks to buy drinks supplier Matthew Clark.