Booker breaks £1b catering sales barrier
Leading food and drink wholesaler, Booker has broken the £1b sales threshold in the catering sector.
Announcing its preliminary results for the year ended 26 March 2010, chief executive Charles Wilson revealed that the wholesaler is now serving 305,000 caterers a year.
Wilson announced total sales of £3.4b for the period, a rise of 6.5% on the previous year. And he revealed that sales to caterers grew 9% on 2009. These sales contributed to a 15% growth in operating profit, to £66.6m.
He said "Our plan to focus, drive and broaden Booker continues to make good progress. By improving the choice, price and service we offer to the 431,000 businesses we serve, and listening to our customers, Booker has helped customers to prosper in a difficult economic environment."
Ron Hickey, sales director, Catering, said "We are pleased that Booker is now a £1b catering business. More caterers have chosen to shop with Booker, spending more and more frequently. We have built good foundations for future growth and will continue to invest in delivering the best choice, value and service for caterers this year."
Booker's internet business continues to grow steeply, with sales rising by 63% to £407m.
"We're making the Internet more local and specific, so your post code takes you to your local branch", said Wilson.
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By Mark Lewis
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