Gist has posted an operating profit of £35.6 million for the year to December 31st 2014, representing an annual growth rate of 20 per cent. 

The latest annual results from the firm also indicated that turnover rose from £401 million in 2013 to £405.7 million, Logistics Manager reports. 

Opportunities for growth in the logistics sector were limited throughout 2014, according to Gist. 

Factors such as the generally weak economic situation and the trend for retailers to focus on cost control were highlighted as the main contributors to this. 

However, Gist was still able to win new business for its primary food and drink chilled distribution operations, as well as extending its secondary food contract distribution activities into mainland Europe. 

Goals for the future include expanding end to end supply chain operations for national consumers.