Booker Group PLC Quarter Four Trading Update (2516J)
April 02 2015 - 2:05AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMBOK
RNS Number : 2516J
Booker Group PLC
02 April 2015
For Immediate Release
2 April 2015
Booker Group plc ('Booker')
Quarter Four Trading Update
Booker Group, the UK's leading food wholesaler, is pleased to
announce its trading performance for the 12 weeks to 27 March 2015.
Total sales in the 12 weeks, including Makro, rose by 1.0% on the
same period last year. Booker like-for-like total sales (excluding
Makro) were 1.7% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up
2.3%.
12 weeks to
27 March 2015
Total Tobacco Non Tobacco
%
% %
-------------- ------------------- ------
Booker Group Total (inc Makro) 1.0 1.2 0.9
------------------- ------ -------- ------------
Booker Like-for-like 1.7 0.6 2.3
------------------- ------ -------- ------------
Booker Wholesale, our cash and carry division, had a good
quarter. We achieved strong customer satisfaction scores, customer
numbers were up and sales were good. Booker Direct, Ritter
Courivaud, Classic Drinks and Chef Direct also had a good quarter.
The Makro turnaround is progressing well. Makro customer
satisfaction improved during the quarter. As expected, non tobacco
sales in Makro were down 7.4% in the 12 weeks as a result of the
decision to stop selling some consumer ranges. Cash and profits at
Makro were in line with expectations. We now have ten combined
Booker / Makro sites which are performing well. Sales in India are
continuing to make progress.
For the 52 weeks to 27 March 2015, total sales (including Makro)
were GBP4.75bn, up by 1.5% compared to last year. Booker
like-for-like total sales (excluding Makro) were up by 2.3%.
Like-for-like non-tobacco sales rose by 2.9%, while like-for-like
tobacco sales rose by 1.1%. Like-for-like total sales to caterers
rose by 2.0%. During the year we saw significant price deflation in
the catering market, for example the deflation on fruit and
vegetables was -15.8%. Like-for-like total sales to retailers rose
by 2.7%. Premier our retail symbol group, had a very strong
year.
Underlying non tobacco volumes have been good and increased 4.5%
in the year. Booker customer numbers, increased by 4% to 549,000
and customer satisfaction improved. Internet sales increased by 12%
to GBP874m.
The Group had around GBP147m net cash at the end of the year.
Profits for the 52 weeks to 27 March 2015 remain in line with
expectations.
Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said:
"This was a good end to a good year. We achieved strong customer
satisfaction scores, and sales and profits were the best we have
ever achieved. The integration of Makro into the Group has gone
smoothly which has allowed us to improve choice, prices and service
to our catering and retail customers. Despite price deflation, we
have grown like for like sales and Booker Group remains on track to
Focus, Drive and Broaden the business to be the UK's leading
wholesaler."
Note: Sales are stated net of value added tax
ENDS
For further information contact:
Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)
020 7353 4200
Susanna Voyle / Will Smith
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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