Booker Group has reported a sales rise in the 16 weeks to 2 January 2015.

Total third quarter sales were up 1.4% on the same period the previous year, while like-for-like sales, excluding Makro, rose 2.5%. Non-tobacco like-for-like sales increased 2.6%.

Booker said the turnaround at Makro was on course; nine outlets have now been converted to the updated format. However, non-tobacco sales were down 6.5% as the group continued to exit non-profitable and non-professional categories.

Booker chief executive Charles Wilson said: “This was a good quarter, with Booker Group continuing to make progress in a challenging market. Our plans to focus, drive and broaden remain on track. We continue to improve the choice, prices and service to catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK.”