Booker on track for year

Food and drink wholesaler Booker posted a 1.7 per cent increase in total sales for the 12 weeks to 22 June 2012 and said it remains on course to meet expectations for the year ending 29 March 2013.Non-tobacco sales rose by 3.9%, or 3.8% on a like-for-like basis, while tobacco sales fell by 1.7% after increased duty hurt sales.Booker said it had made a good start to the quarter after the strong performance from non-tobacco items.Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Booker Group continues to make good progress, with like-for-like non-tobacco sales up 3.8% in quarter one. Our plans to focus, drive and broaden the business remain on track."Commenting on the acquisition of Makro UK earlier this month, it added: "Together we look forward to improving choice, prices and service for all our catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK."CJ