GIANT wholesaler Booker Group told shareholders at its annual general meeting that its most recent trading period had gone well, but said tobacco sales were still slower than hoped.
Chief executive Charles Wilson said: “Overall it has been a good quarter. Total sales, including Makro, were up 13.6%. Booker’s non-tobacco like-for-likes were up 3.1% despite last year having a Diamond Jubilee and better Easter weather. Makro’s non-tobacco like-for-likes are performing in line with our expectations, down 3.6%.
“Tobacco sales, as expected, have been depressed by the growth of illicit tobacco.”
