31st Mar 2016 07:00
For Immediate Release
31 March 2016
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 25 March 2016.
12 weeks to 25 March 2016 | ||||
Total
% | Tobacco % | Non Tobacco % | ||
Booker Group | Total (inc Budgens & Londis) | 10.6 | 7.7 | 12.1 |
Booker Group | Like-for-like (excl Budgens & Londis) | (2.5) | (6.1) | (0.7) |
Group sales, including Budgens and Londis, rose by 10.6% on the same period last year. Booker Wholesale with Makro, our cash and carry business, had a good quarter for customer numbers, customer satisfaction and cash profit. Non tobacco sales reduced by 0.7% on a like-for-like basis. These sales were impacted by deflation in food prices and many customers reporting weak consumer demand during the period. Tobacco sales continued to be adversely impacted by the ban on small stores displaying tobacco products, down 6.1% like-for-like. Booker Direct, Chef Direct, Ritter and Booker India performed as we expected. Premier continues to grow and we made good progress on the integration of Londis and Budgens.
For the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016, total sales (including Budgens & Londis) were £5.0bn, up by 5.0% compared to last year. Booker like-for-like total sales were down by 1.9%. Like-for-like non-tobacco sales declined by 0.3%, and like-for-like tobacco sales fell by 5.2%. Like-for-like total sales to caterers rose by 0.6% including Classic and by 1.9% excluding Classic. Classic, our on trade wholesale business, exited some unprofitable business. During the year we continued to see price deflation in the catering market. Like-for-like total sales to retailers reduced by 2.2% primarily due to the tobacco display ban. Customer satisfaction scores were strong and internet sales increased by 12% to £979m (excluding Budgens & Londis).
The Group had approximately £126m net cash at the end of the year. Profits for the 52 weeks to 25 March 2016 remain in line with expectations.
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."
Note: Sales are stated net of value added tax. Like-for-like sales metrics in this announcement include Makro and exclude Budgens and Londis
ENDS
For further information contact:
Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)
020 7353 4200
Susanna Voyle
Charlotte Church
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