The strength of the UK market helped Burger King to report a 0.9% rise in comparable sales in the EMEA region for the second quarter of 2014.
The performance in the UK, along with Spain and Turkey, partially offset the “weakness” in Germany. The company pointed to additions in the UK such as the Angry Whopper sandwich and the Summer BBQ promotion that it said complemented its new King Savers value menu.
EMEA system-wide sales growth of 11.3% was primarily driven by 346 net new restaurant openings, Burger King said.
Global comparable sales for the company increased 0.9% in constant currency basis, with growth across all four regions: +0.4% in the US and Canada, +1.1% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and +3.7% in Asian-Pacific
System-wide sales increased 5.4% and the was net restaurant growth of 131, a 4.8% increase from the prior year.
Burger King Worldwide chief executive Daniel Schwartz said: “We ended the first half of the year strong as we grew comparable sales across all four regions and accelerated restaurant openings.
“In the US and Canada, marketing consistency and operational simplicity helped us drive a third consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth. Internationally, strong net restaurant growth and compelling product innovation helped grow sales and expand our presence in new and existing markets.
“We plan to deliver another strong second half of the year as we capitalise on the positive momentum we have generated through the continued efforts of our exceptional franchisees, partners, and employees.”
