Booker grows with Chef Direct plans
Wellingborough-based wholesaler Booker has set up a distribution centre to serve catering customers.
In a trading update to the Stock Exchange this morning, Booker said its Chef Direct operation would be based in Didcot, and was established to accelerate the company's growth into the food service and catering market.
"Chef Direct will combine Booker's scale and logistics capabilities with [recently acquired] Ritter-Courivaud's expertise in catering and speciality foods," said Booker.
The Didcot operation is currently being fitted out, and Chef Direct will start trading in June 2012.
The announcement was made as Booker unveiled its trading results for the 16 weeks to 31 December 2011.
Total sales in the quarter rose by 7 per cent on the same period last year, while non-tobacco sales were 6.7 per cent higher.
Fruit and vegetable sales were up 17 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
Booker also pledged to continue its expansion into India as it prepares to open its second and third branches on the continent in 2012.
Charles Wilson, Booker's chief executive, said: "Amid the challenging economic environment Booker continues to improve choice, prices and service for our customers.
"Our plans to focus, drive and broaden the group are on track and we are pleased to be developing Chef Direct to serve major foodservice customers."
