Booker reports ‘good’ Q1 progress
Booker, the Wellingborough-based food wholesaler, says it “remains on track” in 2016 after revealing its Q1 results.
Group sales, including Budgens and Londis, rose by 10.6% on the same period last year.
Booker Wholesale with Makro, the firm’s 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, says Booker, were impacted by deflation in food prices and many customers reporting weak consumer demand during the period.
Tobacco sales continued to be adversely impacted by the ban on small stores displaying tobacco products, down 6.1% like-for-like. Booker Direct, Chef Direct, Ritter and Booker India performed as expected.
For the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016, total sales (including Budgens & Londis) were £5.0bn, up by 5% 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%, and like-for-like tobacco sales fell by 5.2%.
Like-for-like total sales to caterers rose by 0.6% including Classic and by 1.9% excluding Classic. Classic, our on trade wholesale business, exited some unprofitable business. During the year we 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).
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.”
