UK: Tobacco Sales Help Drive Good Growth At Booker

Source from:  Namnews 09/21/2012

Wholesale group Booker has reported a 4.3% year-on-year rise in total sales (excluding recently acquired Makro) in the 12 weeks to 14 September, with non-tobacco sales were 3.9% higher, while tobacco sales rose by 5.1%. On a like-for-like basis, total sales rose by 4.4%, non-tobacco sales by 3.8% and tobacco sales by 5.4%. Total sales (excluding Makro) in the 24 weeks to 14 September 2012 rose by 3.3% on the same period last year. Non-tobacco sales were 4.2% higher, while tobacco sales rose by 2.0%. On a like-for-like basis, total sales rose by 3.1%, non-tobacco sales by 3.8% and tobacco sales by 1.8%. The results were boosted by a good performance by Booker Wholesale, the cash & cash division, which saw an improvement to customer satisfaction, higher customer numbers and sales which matched expectations. Booker Direct, its delivered wholesale division, also had a good half, while Ritter Courivaud, the speciality foods business, performed well. Classic, the on-trade wholesaler, had a good period and has been rolled out into a further five Booker branches. Chef Direct, the foodservice business it launched in January, is making good progress having secured several catering accounts. In India, its two branches in Mumbai and joint venture branch in Pune were said to be performing as planned. Booker is now looking to open a further two branches in the second half. Commenting on Makro, the business it acquired in early July, Booker said it has been struggling for the past few years and its performance in the past ten weeks has continued to be challenging. Integration of the business into the Booker group is currently on hold due to a review of the deal by the OFT. Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said: "Booker Wholesale and Booker Direct have had a good start to the year as we continue to improve choice, price and service. We are confident that once we have clearance from the competition authorities, Booker and Makro will be able to improve choice, prices and service for the caterers, retailers and small business in the UK. Makro will prove a good addition to the Booker Group". Enditem