UK cash and carry group Booker today (13 October) posted a 12.1% increase in first-half pre-tax profit on the back of sales gains and improved profitability.


The company said pre-tax profit for the 24 weeks to 11 September totalled GBP29.7m (US$46.9m) on sales of GBP1.6bn, up 7.7%. Excluding tobacco, like-for-like sales grew 9.4%.


Chief executive Charles Wilson said that sales gains were a result of the company offering “better choice, price and service”.


“Our internet sales increased to GBP180.8m (from GBP96.4m last year), we have become a major force in the delivered wholesale market and our branch in India is now open,” he commented.


In the period, Booker said that it converted ten branches to its Extra format, which offers a “broader range” and “improved environment”.  The company now has 81 Extra stores and plans to convert an additional 14 in the second half. At its Extra format, sales lifted 3% above conventional outlets.

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For the full press release click here, or check back later for just-food’s insight into Booker’s H1.

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