Booker LFL sales up 3.2% in third quarter, on track for full year

(ShareCast News) - FTSE 250 food wholesaler Booker Group posted a 3.2% increase in third-quarter group like-for-like sales on Thursday and said it remains on course to meet expectations for the year to 24 March.In the 16 weeks to 30 December, total sales were up 2.9%%, with tobacco sales down 1.3% and non-tobacco sales up 4.8%.LFL tobacco sales were 1% lower, while non-tobacco sales were up 5.1%.Internet sales rose by 10% to £333m, excluding Budgens and Londis, and the company said Booker India continues to make progress.Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Booker Group continues to make good progress with like-for-like non-tobacco sales up 5.1%. Our plans to focus, drive and broaden Booker Group are on track. "Budgens and Londis are making a solid contribution to the group. We continue to help our retail, catering and small business customers prosper through improving our choice, prices and service."At 0850 GMT, the shares were up 0.7% to 182.70p.rch.