Booker, the food and drink wholesaler, has reported a 1.9% rise in like-for-like sales (excluding the Makro business) in the 12 weeks to 28 March.
Non-tobacco like-for-likes were up 3.4%, with tobacco sales down 0.7%. Total sales over the period, including Makro, grew 16.3% (non-tobacco: +24.8%, tobacco: +2.2%).
The company said Booker Wholesale, its cash and carry division, had a good quarter, achieving its best ever customer satisfaction scores, while customer numbers were up and sales were in line with expectations.
“Booker Direct, Ritter, Classic and Chef Direct also had a good quarter,” the firm said.
“The Makro turnaround is progressing well. Makro customer satisfaction improved during the quarter. Non tobacco sales in Makro were down 8% in the 12 weeks as a result of the decision to stop selling some consumer ranges such as televisions. Cash and profits at Makro were in line with expectations. Sales in India are continuing to make progress.”
Across the 52 weeks, like-for-like total sales (excluding Makro) were up by 2.1% (non-tobacco: +4.4%, tobacco -1.7%).
Total sales in the 52 weeks, including Makro, were £4.7bn, up by 17.3% compared to last year.
Like-for-like sales, including tobacco, to caterers rose by 7.1% and to retailers fell by 0.5%. Customer numbers, excluding Makro, increased by 5% to 529,000 and customer satisfaction improved. Internet sales increased by 10% to £777m.
The group had around £150m net cash at the end of the year, compared to £77m a year ago. Profits for the 52 weeks “remain in line with expectations”.
Charles Wilson, Booker chief executive, said: “This was a good quarter with non tobacco like-for-likes up 3.4%. Our plans for bringing Booker and Makro together are on track.
“In this last quarter we achieved our best ever customer satisfaction scores in Booker and Makro as we continue to improve the choice, prices and service to catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK.”
