Booker total sales rise in fourth quarter, full year

Food wholesale retailer Booker Group said total sales grew in the fourth quarter and for the year as a whole, but like-for-like sales were dented by price deflation.

In a trading update for the 12 weeks to 25 March, Booker group sales including Budgens and Londis were up 10.6% on the same period last year.

Booker Wholesale with Makro, its cash and carry business, had a good quarter for customer numbers, customer satisfaction and cash profit.

During the period, total LFL sales excluding Budgens and Londis fell 2.5%. Non-tobacco sales declined 0.7% on a like-for-like basis amid deflation in food prices and weak consumer demand.

Meanwhile, tobacco sales were down 6.1% on a LFL basis, continuing to take a hit from the ban on small stores displaying tobacco products.

Booker Direct, Chef Direct, Ritter and Booker India performed as the company expected and the group said it made good progress on the integration of Londis and Budgens.

For the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016, total sales were up 5% compared to the previous year at £5bn.

Booker LFL total sales slipped 1.9%, with LFL non-tobacco sales down 0.3% and tobacco sales 5.2% lower.

LFL total sales to caterers rose 0.6% including trade wholesale business Classic and 1.9% excluding Classic.

Net cash at Booker stood at around £126m at the end of the year and profit for the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016 remains in line with expectations.

Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Overall, 2015/16 was a good year. Customer satisfaction scores were strong, sales and profits were the best we have ever achieved.

“We continue to improve choice, prices and service to our customers. Booker Group remains on track to focus, drive and broaden the business."