ProCook is opening new stores and looking to grow international markets after more than doubling expected growth in a year of record sales.

The Quedgeley-based kitchenware and cookware retailer saw sales for 2020-21 reach £64.5million - up 35 per cent on the previous year.

It put the performance - which delivered an annual profit of more than £10million - down to increased demand, a growth in its expanded tableware category and the company's agility in responding to the pandemic.

ProCook, which relocated its outlet to larger premises at Gloucester Quays and has a shop in Cirencester, has announced six large format stores in retail destination including Cribbs Causeway near Bristol and Bluewater in Kent.

Retail director Andy Kerr said: "ProCook remains committed to offering bricks and mortar retail stores and these new stores will enable so many more customers to experience our exceptional service and feel the quality of our products for themselves.

"We're confident our expansion plans will continue to deliver growth for the foreseeable future."

International expansion has taken a step forward with the opening of a hub in the Netherlands to service European markets.

The 5,000sq ft warehouse with offices in Venlo will be followed by the opening of several European shops later in the year.

Founder Daniel O'Neill said: "By stepping up to meet the opportunities presented to us in the past year we've achieved some incredible numbers and accelerated our plans to expand internationally.

"Opening an EU distribution centre allows us to offer EU customers the same great one-two day service our UK customers enjoy, and enable us to tailor our approach to different markets more effectively."

ProCook received a Sunday Times International Track 200 award following a 300 per cent growth in its international channel over the past three years.