Booker on track for year

Food and drink wholesaler Booker posted a 1.7 per cent increase in total sales for the 12 weeks to 22 June 2012 and said it remains on course to meet expectations for the year ending 29 March 2013.

Non-tobacco sales rose by 3.9%, or 3.8% on a like-for-like basis, while tobacco sales fell by 1.7% after increased duty hurt sales.

Booker said it had made a good start to the quarter after the strong performance from non-tobacco items.

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Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Booker Group continues to make good progress, with like-for-like non-tobacco sales up 3.8% in quarter one. Our plans to focus, drive and broaden the business remain on track."

Commenting on the acquisition of Makro UK earlier this month, it added: "Together we look forward to improving choice, prices and service for all our catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK."

CJ