Booker reports sales rise

By Nikkie Sutton

- Last updated on GMT

Coming together: the merger of Tesco and Booker was first announced in January 2017
Coming together: the merger of Tesco and Booker was first announced in January 2017

Related tags Business Better Marketing Booker

Food wholesaler Booker has announced that its total sales rose by 3.4% in the last quarter of 2017, with like-for-like sales up by 3.8%.

In January last year, the merger between supermarket Tesco and Booker was announced​ and as a result of the proposed merger, the wholesaler is in an offer period.

In December, the Competition and Markets Authority published its decision,​ granting unconditional clearance of the merger and Booker expects the shareholder vote to approve the merger will be made towards the end of next month (February).

Booker chief executive Charles Wilson said the £3.7bn deal will mean pubs will have an improved choice, quality, price and service.

Ready meal development

The wholesaler and supermarket have claimed the move will provide better availability of food and help independent small businesses by further improving choice, price and service, with enhanced digital and delivery service.

Wilson told The Morning Advertiser​: “We can do some ready meal development, which Booker hasn’t been able to do. With pricing, we can become a more efficient business and pass some of that back to the customers.”

On Booker’s trading figures, Wilson said: “Booker Group had another good quarter with like-for-like non-tobacco sales up 6.2%,

“We continue to focus, drive and broaden our business to improve choice, prices and service for our customers.

“The proposed merger with Tesco is progressing as planned and we are very grateful for the support we have received from customers, suppliers, shareholders and colleagues during this process.”

Strong progress

The business will continue to listen to its customers, according to catering and small business managing director Stuart Hyslop.

He said: “Our catering business has made strong progress and our customers have told us they had a good festive season.

“Our Food & Drinks Guide ​has been well received and this has helped to improve our customer satisfaction, which remains our focus.

“We will continue to listen to our customers to deliver great value for them and I am looking forward to further supporting our customers during the coming months.”

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