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BUNZL News Release BUNZL Q1 TRADING STATEMENT Bunzl plc , the specialist international distribution and services Group , today announces its trading statement for the period since 31 December 2020 . 21 April 2021 Bunzl's diversified and resilient business model has delivered good overall growth against continuing pandemic - related challenges , with Group revenue in the first quarter up 5.4 % at actual exchange rates and 10.4 % at constant exchange rates . Acquisitions contributed revenue growth of 4.3 % at constant exchange rates , while a greater number of trading days than the comparable period in 2020 further benefited revenue growth by 4.7 % . Underlying revenue growth at constant exchange rates increased by 1.4 % , in line with the Group's expectations . Group adjusted operating margin continued to be supported by demand for certain Covid - 19 related products . Within underlying revenue growth of 1.4 % , sales of the top 8 Covid - 19 related products , which are primarily own brand , contributed 6.4 % of growth . This growth more than offset a 5.0 % decline in revenue from other product sales . Good underlying revenue performance in North America and Rest of the World was driven by demand for Covid - 19 related products , with certain category specific pricing remaining elevated , and a continuation of the recovery in sales of other products . Continental Europe and UK & Ireland continued to be impacted by the effect of pandemic - related restrictions , particularly on foodservice and non - food retail segments . The Group's guidance remains unchanged . At constant exchange rates , the Group continues to expect robust revenue growth in 2021 compared to the prior year , after excluding larger Covid 19 related orders which contributed approximately £ 550 million of revenue in 2020. A recovery in sales of other products is expected to be largely offset by a decline in smaller Covid - 19 related orders , while recent acquisitions will further contribute to the Group's performance in 2021. After excluding larger Covid - 19 related orders , the Group continues to expect good organic revenue growth in the first half of 2021 to be followed by a moderate decline in the second half . Group adjusted operating margin for the year is expected to return to a more historical level . Commenting on today's results , Frank van Zanten , Chief Executive Officer of Bunzl , said : " Now over a year on from the start of the pandemic I continue to thank our colleagues for their exceptional hard work supporting front line heroes and essential businesses through these extraordinary times . As activity starts to resume in some of our markets , it is with pride that I now see our teams increasingly supporting customers to reopen their businesses , many of which have been meaningfully impacted over the course of the pandemic . The resilience of the Bunzl model continues to be demonstrated by our ability to respond to changing customer needs and through our financial performance . Looking ahead we are confident in the strength of our consistent and proven compounding strategy , supported by enhanced hygiene trends , our differentiated offering of sustainable and responsible solutions and acquisition momentum . We have announced three acquisitions in the year to date with the pipeline remaining active and a number of discussions ongoing . " Enquiries : Bunzl plc Frank van Zanten , Chief Executive Officer Richard Howes , Chief Financial Officer Tel : +44 ( 0 ) 20 7725 5000 Tulchan David Allchurch Martin Robinson Tel : +44 ( 0 ) 20 7353 4200 Bunzl plc , York House , 45 Seymour Street , London W1H 7JT . Tel : +44 ( 0 ) 20 7725 5000