Annual figures CB 2024: focus on development and innovation

Today we are publishing our 2024 annual results. We achieved a turnover of more than €111 million and an operating result of €2.4 million.

Linda van Zomeren, CEO CB: 'In 2024, CB took important steps to renew its processes. Although this had a temporary impact on our performance and costs, we are now better positioned for the future. We have also taken a number of exceptional write-offs, which strengthens our foundation for further growth.

Facing the future with confidence

Van Zomeren is confident about the future: Our company is developing rapidly. We are innovating in order to be more flexible, keep costs under control and remain a reliable partner for our customers. This will require a great deal of our attention in the coming years. We face the future with confidence.

For example, CB is investing in modernising its IT landscape, both in terms of customer interfaces and logistics process control. We are also replacing old equipment to keep delivery reliability high and, where possible, extending the life of machines by overhauling them.

CB is working to achieve a healthier balance between permanent and flexible employees, including the flexible deployment of employees to different warehouses and workplaces, and supporting their development. New data models provide better forecasting, allowing us to manage the use of people and machines more efficiently. We are also increasing our focus on operational excellence, working together to continuously improve our processes and procedures.

Media: stable general book sales, growth in school and study books

CB's physical sales of general books increased by 1.3% year on year. The number of copies sold directly to consumers fell slightly (-0.3%), while sales to the high street rose by 1.5%. The distribution of audio books and e-books increased.

The number of physical books processed by CB for the educational sector increased to 29.8 million copies (+18.7%). International publishers of academic books are facing declining demand. CB recorded a decline of 11.6% in this segment (in copies) compared to 2023. Through print on demand, CB produced 1.78 million books, almost the same number as in 2023 (-0.4%).

Healthcare: new shareholder and focus on ordering platforms

On 1 April 2024, a group of healthcare organisations united in Coöperatie Zorgproducten UA (CZP) acquired a stake in CB Healthcare. In 2024, CB Healthcare will continue to focus on the development and growth of the SUP and Hulpmiddelbezorgd ordering platforms for home care, pharmacies and general practitioners. The logistics of healthcare products not connected to the ordering platforms was reduced.

Corporate social responsibility

CB is committed to sustainable and socially responsible operations. In 2024, the company took significant steps in solar and wind energy. We also received the All-in Employer Award for employers who take their social responsibilities seriously and give people with work restrictions a chance in their organisation.