Booker’s total group sales up by more than 10%

However, when Booker's Budgens and Londis businesses were taken out of the equation, total Q4 like-for-like group sales slumped by 2.5%.

"These sales were impacted by deflation in food prices and many customers reporting weak consumer demand during the period," Booker said in its financial update today (31 March).

For the 52 weeks to 25 March, group sales were up 5% to £5bn when compared to last year's results. Full financial year sales are in line with expectation, according to chief executive Charles Wilson.

Managing director of Booker's group catering and small business division Stuart Hyslop, said: "We continue to help our caterers by increasing choice, lowering price and improving our service for them."

Low-price package​

He added: "This is being achieved through delivering great value through our 'Locked Down' package, which is where we have secured a great low price on the most commonly shopped lines to help our customers plan their menus with confidence."

Shore Capital analysts Clive Black and Darren Shirley said Booker was a company they "continued to like" but were quick to point out the business was "not immune to market challenges".

Yet, they claim Booker is very robust and has strong cash generation and a debt-free balance sheet, which gives it the capability to sustain its future.

"In uncertain times, not least ahead of the UK/EU referendum, Booker stock remains somewhat of a safe haven to us," they added.

Wilson 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."

Improved choice​

He added: "We continue to improve choice, prices and services to our customers. The Booker Group remains on track."

Booker was given the green light by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last September to take over retailers Budgens and Londis in a £40m acquisition.

At the time, Wilson said: "We are pleased the acquisition of Londis and Budgens has been cleared by the CMA."

Meanwhile, foodservice distributor Brakes announced it would supply beer and cider​ for the first time, shortly before revealing the launch of its Scotland-only​ business.

Bidvest Foodservice also launched its Chalk Farms wines​ brand this week.