Booker Wholesale has reported a 4.2% rise in like-for-like sales for the 12 weeks to 16 June, boosted by a late Easter and warm weather.
Non-tobacco sales were up 9.6% on a like-for-like basis, while tobacco sales were down 7.9% as changes in tobacco legislation – which officially came into force at the end of May – continued to impact trading.
Booker chief executive Charles Wilson, said: “Overall, Booker Group had another good quarter. Group sales rose by 4% on the same period last year, with like for likes up 4.2%.
“Premier continues to grow and we continue to make good progress with Budgens and Londis.”
Meanwhile, Booker and Tesco have revealed that they have asked the Competition and Markets Authority to fast-track its investigation into the duo’s proposed £3.7bn merger, with a decision expected within two weeks.
