Booker Group has reported an acceleration of like-for-like sales in Q2, with the good weather lifting sales in its catering division and “solid progress” in Booker Direct, its delivered wholesale arm.
Like-for-like sales grew 3.5% in the 12 weeks to 13 September, with a rise of 2.3% in the first half. Non-tobacco like-for-likes increased 6.9% (H1: +5%), with tobacco like-for-likes down 2% (H1: -2.2%).
Total sales, including the Makro business, grew 19.3% in Q2 and 16.5% in H1, with non-tobacco sales up 30% in the second quarter and 25.5% across the first half.
Net cash at 13 September was £123m against £70m a year ago. The cash includes £12m from the sale and leaseback of two cash and carries.
The company said Booker Wholesale, its cash and carry division, had a “good half”. “Customer numbers were up generating strong sales. The warm summer weather helped our customers.”
Booker Direct “also had a good half” and Chef Direct, its foodservice business, is “making good progress”.
The company said: “Following a good first half the outlook for the year as a whole remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, the firm said the turnaround of Makro is “progressing well”.
“Our plans for bringing Booker and Makro together are on track. We have made major strides on cash management. We have started to improve choice, prices and service for our catering, retail and small business customers.”
Booker opened a further two branches in India in H1, taking it to six sites in the country.
