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%. 

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 £4.75bn, 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 £874m. 

The Group had around £147m 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