Booker buoyed by online ordering growth in latest results

The company, which saw total sales for the 24 weeks to 12 September climb 1.9% to £2.3bn, has turned around its balance sheets from being “one of the weakest” in 2008 to “one of the strongest” this year, according to chief executive Charles Wilson.

The group, which now supplies to around 40,000 pubs, said it has a similar level of usage of its online ordering platform by publicans as other catering customers.

It added that trading in the first four weeks of its current half year was ahead of the same period last year.

Insipiring​

Wilson said that the company is learning with its customers “and it’s inspiring to see what they are doing themselves online”.

He explained that the company’s plan, as laid out in 2005, has not changed and they are continuing to make good progress to become a £6.6bn business by 2018.

“Overall it has been a good first half and we look forward to the second half,” Wilson added.

Competitive market​

Booker, however, anticipated that the challenging consumer and market environment will persist through the coming year and the UK’s food market remains very competitive.

It said: “While 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.

“We are on track to deliver an outcome for the financial year in line with our plans and to make progress in this challenging environment.”

Wilson added: “We have had a good half and our plan to 'focus, drive and broaden' the business remains on track.

“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.”