Booker Group, the UK’s leading food wholesaler, has reported its trading performance for the 12 weeks to 25 March 2016, showing that group sales, including Budgens and Londis, rose by 10.6% on the same period last year.
Booker Wholesale with Makro, the cash and carry business, had a good quarter for customer numbers, customer satisfaction and cash profit. Non-tobacco sales reduced by 0.7% on a like-for-like basis. These sales were impacted by deflation in food prices and many customers reporting weak consumer demand during the period.
Booker Direct, Chef Direct, Ritter and Booker India performed as expected. Premier continues to grow and the firm made good progress on the integration of Londis and Budgens.
For the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016, total sales (including Budgens & Londis) were £5.0bn, up by 5.0% compared to last year. Booker like-for-like total sales were down by 1.9%. Like-for-like non-tobacco sales declined by 0.3%.
Like-for-like total sales to caterers rose by 0.6% including Classic and by 1.9% excluding Classic. Classic, the on trade wholesale business, exited some unprofitable business.
During the year, Booker continued to see price deflation in the catering market. Like-for-like total sales to retailers reduced by 2.2%, primarily due to the tobacco display ban. Customer satisfaction scores were strong and internet sales increased by 12% to £979m (excluding Budgens & Londis).
The group had approximately £126m net cash at the end of the year. Profits for the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016 remain in line with expectations.
Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said, “Overall, 2015/16 was a good year. Customer satisfaction scores were strong, sales and profits were the best we have ever achieved. We made good progress on the integration of Londis and Budgens. We continue to improve choice, prices and service to our customers. Booker Group remains on track to Focus, Drive and Broaden the business.”