Booker reports ‘good’ first quarter
Food wholesaler Booker Group saw its total sales edge up 0.2% in its first quarter.
In the 12 weeks to 19 June, like-for-like sales, including those of wholesaler Makro, increased by 0.4%.
Non-tobacco total sales rose by 0.7% with like-for-like sales climbing by 1%. Tobacco sales fell by 0.9% on both a like-for-like and total basis.
Booker said its wholesale division, which includes Makro, enjoyed a “good” quarter with improvements in customer satisfaction and performance in line with expectations. The group now has 11 combined Booker/Makro sites which are “working well”. Sales in India continued to make progress.
Booker Group said it remains on course to meet expectations for the year ending 25 March 2016.
As previously announced, the UK Competition and Markets Authority is currently considering the group’s Londis and Budgens acquisition and Booker will update shareholders when the stage 1 review is complete. The group is in the process of buying the two convenience store chains from Irish food wholesaler Musgrave Group for £40 million.
Charles Wilson, Booker Group chief executive, said: “Booker Group continues to make good progress. Our plans to focus, drive and broaden Booker Group are on track. We continue to enhance choice, price and service for our retail, catering and small business customers.”
