Booker has posted a 2.3% increase in total sales for the past 12 weeks, with tobacco sales dropping over the quarter.
In its Q4 interim management statement for the 12 weeks to March 29, the wholesaler announced that non-tobacco sales grew by 4.3% compared to last year while its tobacco sales fell by 0.8%.
Like-for-like total sales rose by 2.2% compared to the same period last year with non-tobacco sales increasing by 4.2% and tobacco sales dropping by 0.9%.
Total sales in the 52 weeks to March 29 were £4.0bn, a 3.5% increase compared to last year, while total like-for-like sales increased by 3.5%. Booker’s overall customer numbers increased by 5% to 504,000, while internet sales increased by 11% over the year.
The wholesaler also reported progress on its July 2012 acquisition of Makro. It has been provisionally cleared by the Competition Commission, with the final decision expected by April 24. Although the Makro business is being held separate until the decision has been made, Booker announced that it had been trading “in line with expectations”.
Charles Wilson, Booker chief executive, said: “In a challenging environment, Booker has continued to grow non tobacco sales by 4.3% through improving customer satisfaction. We are into the final stage of the Competition Commission’s review of the Makro acquisition and we remain confident that a combination of Booker and Makro will improve choice, prices and service for caterers, retailers and small businesses in the UK.”
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