Sales soar at Booker
Online sales at wholesaler Booker reached £526m over the last year, the company said this morning. In its year-end statement to 25 March 2011, the company said internet sales had shot up 29 per cent compared to its 2010 results. The Wellingborough-based retailer also said pre-tax profit had soared 25 per cent in the 12 month period to £71.4m.
Total sales at the wholesaler, which incorporates brands including Happy Shopper and Chef's Larder, rose 6.2 per cent (£200m) to £3.6bn. Like-for-like sales over the year also increased by 5.1 per cent.
Operating profit stepped up to £76.5m, a 15 per cent increase on its 2010 final results.
Profit after tax was also up 24 per cent to £59.1m, while the company's net cash supply increased to £27.1m – a marked leap on its 2010 results of £7m.
Booker said customer numbers had risen over the 12 month period by 28, 000, bringing the total to 459,000.
The company's two acquired businesses, Ritter-Courivaud and Classic which were purchased in October 2010, are making "a real contribution to the group", said Booker. The company added its Indian business continued to progress, as it furthers plans to open two new business centres in the country.
Booker said: "The economy is expected to remain difficult in the year ahead and the food wholesale market remains very competitive. Nevertheless, we expect to continue to make progress in this challenging environment. The exceptional weather in the first seven weeks of the current financial year has led to a good start and Booker is on course to meet our expectations for the year."
Charles Wilson, chief executive of Booker, added: "Booker made good progress in 2010/11 and our plan to 'focus, drive and broaden' the business is on track. Customer satisfaction improved further, we served 28,000 more customers and grew sales by over £200m.
"Internet sales were £526m, Ritter and Classic have made a real contribution to the group and we are pleased with the performance of Booker India. The UK economy looks challenging, but we are committed to helping our 459,000 customers prosper in the year ahead."
