Simbisa Brands revenue rises 20% in FY 2026
Simbisa reported stronger earnings across its markets, with Kenya customer volumes and deliveries increasing despite lower average spending and continued pressure on household incomes.
AFRICA – Simbisa Brands, the operator of Pizza Inn, Creamy Inn, Galitos, Bakers’ Inn and Chicken Inn, reported a 20% increase in group revenue for the year ended June 30, 2026, while operating profit and earnings also grew.
Operating profit rose 28%, profit before tax increased 36%, and headline earnings per share climbed 45% to 4.33 US cents from 2.98 cents. Cash generated from operations increased 27%, equivalent to 112% of operating profit.
The board declared a final dividend of 0.622 US cents per share, taking the full-year dividend to 1.556 cents.
Zimbabwe remained the group’s largest market, accounting for 72% of revenue. Revenue increased 23% and operating profit rose 39%, while customer numbers reached a record 53.6 million, up 11%. Delivery orders increased 75%, and the market ended the year with 352 counters, 17 more than a year earlier.
However, costs remained a factor in Zimbabwe. Simbisa paid US$2.1 million in Fast Food Tax and faced higher employee and energy costs, as well as intermittent power supplies.
Outside Zimbabwe, group revenue increased 13%. Eswatini recorded the strongest revenue growth at 24%, supported by a 10% increase in customers and a 12% rise in real average spend. Operating profit increased 4%, with three new stores contributing to the result.
In Kenya, revenue rose 11%, while operating profit increased 16%. Customer volumes grew 14%, and the company added a net five stores to finish the year with 257 outlets. Average spend in US dollars declined 3%, which Simbisa attributed to its value-led pricing strategy, while higher customer traffic offset the decline.
Delivery orders in Kenya increased 59% and accounted for 27% of turnover. The figure approached Group CEO Basil Dionisio’s target of 30% of total turnover by the end of the 2026 financial year.
In the six months to December, Kenya revenue increased 8% on a 12% rise in customers. By the third quarter, revenue growth had reached 15%, while customer volumes rose 21% to 3.5 million. Average spend fell 5% to US$6.17.
Simbisa said competition in Kenya’s quick-service restaurant sector remained high, requiring pricing and promotions to defend market share, while pressure on household incomes kept consumers focused on value.
Group chairman Addington Chikane said the company was entering FY2027 with positive customer momentum and a stronger operating base, although consumer spending remained constrained.
He said the group would continue navigating elevated taxation, employee costs, input inflation and climate-related risks, while pursuing efficiencies and strengthening operating resilience.
Dionisio had previously said the company aimed to increase delivery’s contribution to “30% of total turnover” by the end of the 2026 financial year.
The business also continued investing in outlet refurbishment and store expansion during the year, alongside measures aimed at improving efficiency across its markets. The group expanded its footprint across key markets.
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