Tesco “delighted” with Booker progress

Wholesaler records 14.3% like-for-like sales growth since takeover

The initial progress of the Tesco-Booker takeover has “delighted” Chief Executive Dave Lewis, after the high-street multiple recorded a sales boost in the first quarter of 2018.

Booker has enjoyed a like-for-like sales growth of 14.3% since its figures were consolidated on 5 March, with more success expected as the two companies continue towards to combine their working operations.

A successful two-store trial of the 30 best-selling Booker lines has now been extended to a further 50 Tesco stores, while 3,000 of the wholesaler’s products have also been introduced into Tesco’s Magor distribution centre in Wales – a move that makes the most of spare capacity and reduced the lead time on orders for Booker customers in the south west.

And with sales expected to peak during the busy summer trading period, Tesco’s Middleton distribution centre will also be used to support Booker growth.

Aside from the Booker growth, Tesco’s growth like-for-like sales improved by 1.8% and saw a 3.5% increase in UK and ROI.

Lewis said: “Our growth plans are on track and we are pleased with the momentum in the business. We remain well-placed to serve our customers better and deliver our medium-term financial ambitions. We’re delighted with initial progress on Booker and are focused on delivering the synergy benefits that our merger brings.”

Booker Dave Lewis results Tesco Tesco-Booker