Booker’s sales up 5% to £5bn

Like-for-like sales to caterers (including its Classic branch) were up 0.6% and operating profit before tax was up 11% to £115.1m for the 52-week period. Internet sales were up 12% to £979m.

Booker, which also owns Makro, Budgens, Londis, Chef Direct and Ritters Courivaud, has plans to broaden the group further in the coming years and will continue to improve its choice and prices.

Good progress​

Managing director Stuart Hyslop said: "Catering and small business has made good progress during the past 12 months through both our Booker and Makro branches.

"For our independent caterers, where their demand has been unpredictable, the 'Lock Down' package is now three times bigger and will run for a minimum of 12 weeks, giving our customers confidence and security."

In a bid to boost quality, the wholesaler recently revamped its Chef's Essentials frozen bread range, including its burger buns, part-baked baguettes, brioche bins and mixed dinner rolls among others.

Broaden the business​

Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Our plan to focus, drive and broaden the business remains on track.

"Booker Group had a good year, customer satisfaction was strong, sales and profits were the best we have ever achieved."

In October last year, the group reported total sales down 1% to £2.2bn​ for the 24 weeks ended September 2014.