GROUP sales for the 12 weeks to 25 March at Booker, including the contribution from its acquired Londis and Budgens operations, rose by 10.6% on the previous year.
However like-for-like sales for the period were down by 2.5%, largely as a result of substantial decline in like-for-like tobacco sales, which dropped by 6.1%.
For the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016, total sales (including Londis and Budgens) were £5bn, an increase of 5% on the previous year. But Booker like-for-like total sales were down by 1.9%.
The firm said like-for-like sales had been affected by food price deflation, the tobacco display ban and by some customers experiencing lower demand.
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.”
