Booker, Britain's largest cash and carry operator, has reported an increase of 1.7 per cent in total sales for its first quarter. In the twelve weeks to June 22, non-tobacco sales climbed by 3.8 per cent while tobacco sales dropped by 1.7 per cent. Tobacco sales are hugely important to the wholesaler, with sales of £4.1 billion last year, representing 38 per cent of total sales. "Booker Group continues to make good progress, with like-for-like non-tobacco sales up 3.8% in quarter one," says Charles Wilson, CEO, adding that the company's plans to broaden the business remain on track.
Having recently completed a deal worth £139.7 million for the purchase of Makro UK from Germany’s Metro, Wilson says, "We are pleased to have the team at Makro UK as part of Booker Group". Booker operates 172 branches throught the UK, employing over 9,000 people and has over 459,000 customers. With a product range of over 18,000 lines, sales last year hit £2.7 billion. The company was voted 'Best National Wholesaler' earlier this year at the Wholesale Awards and also operates Premier, UK's third-largest symbol group. Booker CEO, Charles Wilson started his career with P&G and has been the president of the influential IGD for the last two years.
