UK wholesaler Booker Group has seen its half-year sales grow by more than 8% amid a “challenging” trading environment.

The company reported today (15 September) sales for the 24 weeks to 9 September jumped 8.5%, compared with the same period last year. On a like-for-like basis total sales rose by 6.5% for the period.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Booker’s second-quarter sales were up 7.6% on the same period last year. The group said fresh departments performed “particularly well” with fruit and vegetable sales up 34%. On a like-for-like basis total sales rose by 5.6%. 

The wholesaler said Classic and Ritter Courivaud, the two businesses it acquired in October last year are “performing well”. Outlook for the year remains unchanged, the group added.

Booker chief executive Charles Wilson said: “Amid a challenging economy Booker has continued to improve the choice, prices and service we provide to customers. Customers have rewarded us with an increased share of their spend and the number of customers has increased. Our plans to drive and broaden Booker are on track.”

Booker is expected to announce its half-year results on 13 October.