Booker : Q3 Trading Update

For Immediate Release 12 January 2017

Booker Group plc

Quarter Three Trading Update

For the 16 weeks to 30 December 2016

Booker Group, the UK's leading food wholesaler, had a good quarter. Group non tobacco sales rose by 4.8% with non tobacco like-for-likes up 5.1%. Group tobacco sales declined by 1.3% with tobacco like-for-likes down 1.0%. As a result, total sales were up 2.9% and like-for-likes were up 3.2%.

	Booker Group 16 weeks to 30 December 2016
	Total %	Tobacco %	Non Tobacco %
Total Sales	2.9	(1.3)	4.8
Like-for-like Sales	3.2	(1.0)	5.1

Both the Catering and Retail sides of Booker Group made good progress. Premier continues to grow and Budgens and Londis are performing well. Internet sales increased by 10% to £333m (excluding Budgens and Londis) and Booker India continues to make progress.

Booker Group remains on course to meet expectations for the year ending 24 March 2017.

Charles Wilson, Chief Executive, 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.'

Note:

1. Sales are stated net of value added tax

2. The timing of the New Year relative to the comparable financial period last year flattered non tobacco sales in Q3 by circa 0.5% and will have a corresponding adverse impact in Q4

ENDS

For further information contact:

Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)

020 7353 4200

Susanna Voyle

Sam Chiene