Wholesaler Booker sees quarterly sales rise 7.6%

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Booker is helping more customers compete by improving our choice, prices and service.

"Our customer numbers have increased and customer satisfaction has improved, resulting in stronger sales.

"We look forward to continue to help independent caterers and retailers prosper in the difficult economic environment."

Booker said that non-tobacco sales had risen by 8.5% in the 12 weeks to 11 September, while tobacco sales rose by 6.2%.

That took overall sales for the first half of its financial year up to a like-for-like growth rate of 7.7%, compared with growth of just 1.1% a year ago.

The group, which was formed through the reverse takeover of Booker by its larger rival Blueheath two years ago, said that its net debt had fallen from £24.9 million at its March year-end to just £4 million by the end of the half year.