Booker integration progressing with sales up 10.5%

BOOKER Group, the owner of the Salford-based Makro business, is reporting a 10.5% increase in sales for the 16 weeks to January 1.

The increase included Budgens and Londis stores – acquired by Booker in  2015 –  while cash and carry division Makro also had a strong quarter.

Non tobacco sales reduced by 1.3% on a like-for-like basis. They were impacted by deflation in food prices with 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 6.9% like-for-like.
 
Booker Direct, Chef Direct and Ritter performed as we expected while good progress was made on the integration of Londis and Budgens, which joined the Group on September 14. Sales in India continued to make progress from the Group’s six branches.

Booker chief executive Charles Wilson said: “Booker Group continued to make progress in a challenging market.
 
“Our plans to focus, drive and broaden remain on track.  Budgens and Londis are settling into the Group well as we continue to improve choice, prices and service for all our customers.”