Booker has rounded off a positive year with a fourth solid trading quarter.

Total sales in the 12 weeks to 27 March, including Makro, rose by 1.0% on the same period last year. 

Booker like-for-like total sales (excluding Makro) were 1.7% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up 2.3%. 

For the full year total sales (including Makro) were £4.75bn, up by 1.5% compared to last year, while Booker like-for-like total sales (excluding Makro) were up by 2.3%.

Booker’s sales director for retail Steve Fox said its retail business made good progress during the year. 

“Premier reached the 3,000th store milestone and advertised on TV for the first time. Family Shopper continued to grow and our Retail Club also had a solid year.  Although the outlook remains challenging, by continuing to focus on increasing choice, lowering prices and improving our service we will help our customers make more profit,” he added.