British food wholesaler Booker has posted strong results for its first half of the year to September 12 with total sales up 1.9 per cent to £2.3bn.
Like-for-like sales (excluding Makro) rose 2.4 per cent while non-tobacco sales were up 3.4 per cent and tobacco sales up 0.6 per cent.
Operating pro?t increased by 15% to £68.1m in the 24-week period.
Internet sales rose 12% to £413m.
The company said its plan is to focus, drive and broaden the business was making progress with the Makro integration on track.
Booker customer satisfaction improved during the period
Booker Direct, Ritter Courivaud, Classic and Chef Direct continues to make good progress, it announced.
"We anticipate that the challenging consumer and market environment will persist through the coming year and the UK's food market remains very competitive," said the company.
It continued, "Whilst there is increasing price competition in the UK grocery and discount sectors, we will continue to deliver our plans to offer our customers even better choice, prices and service."
It said the company is on track to deliver an outcome for the financial year in line with its plans and to make progress "in this challenging environment".
Commenting on the results, Charles Wilson, chief executive of Booker, said: "We have had a good half and our plan to Focus, Drive and Broaden the business remains on track."
He continued, "Despite the challenges in the UK grocery market we continue to provide our retail, catering and small business customers with improved choice, prices and service via the internet, delivery and cash and carry."
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine
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