Book sales slowdown hits Jamie Oliver Holdings

Jamie Oliver Holdings has reported a revenue drop of 7.1% after book sales and production income fell in 2013.

The business, which covers Jamie Oliver's cookbook and television activities, saw revenue fall to £32.8m in the year to 31 December 2013, compared with £35.3m the year before.

Profit after tax was also significantly down at £1.6m (2013: £7.2m).

Despite the disappointing results, director Jamie Oliver and his wife received dividends of £720,000, up from £300,000 in 2013. Meanwhile, the highest paid director received £498,110 and a pension contribution of £48,333.

The company said that the comparative slowdown in book sales was due to record sales in 2012.

It said: "The profitability of the group was affected by lower income generated from book sales in the year, compared against the very successful 30 Minute Meals and 15 Minute Meals books that produced record sales in 2012."

In its strategic report the firm added that endorsement deals signed with Sobeys in Canada and Woolworths in Australia, along with a Jamie Oliver book planned for 2014, should contribute to a solid performance next year.

Jamie Oliver businesses report double digit revenue growth for 2012 >>