Booker posts a 22% rise in profits

Booker, the UK’s biggest cash and carry wholesaler, has reported a 22% increase in first-half profits, quoting a wider product range, reduced prices and improved customer service.

The company cut 1,000 prices in June and has recently launched a new line of snacks, widened its drinks offering and introduced a new fruit and vegetables range.

Booker made a pretax profit of £45 million in the 24 weeks to 9 September 2011, up from £36.9 million in the same period last year. Total sales climbed 8.5% to £1.8 billion, while sales at branches open over a year were up 6.5%.

Chief executive Charles Wilson, says, “I think we’re not expecting much improvement in the environment in the near future but we run a very tight ship; we’re trying to offer the best choice, price and service for caterers and retailers in the UK and as we continue to do that we earn more of their business.”

Only recently, Booker launched a new range of Happy Shopper snacks.  The four new products of Onion Rings, Salt & Vinegar Sticks, Bacon Rashers and Cheese Puffs are all price-marked at 59p or ‘2 for £1’ and offer retailers a POR of up to 40%. All of the snacks have a permanent ‘2 for’ price-mark which means shoppers can ‘mix n match’ across the range.