Cash and carry giant Booker has championed its fresh produce category in delivering strong results.
Strong demand for fresh fruit and vegetables fuelled a total like-for-like sales rise of 4.5 per cent excluding tobacco. Net cash at the end of the period was £58 million compared with £10m in the 12 weeks to 9 September.
Demand from retailers and caterers for fruit and vegetables rose 34 per cent year-on-year.
Booker CEO Charles Wilson said: “Fresh departments performed particularly well… Amid a challenging economy, Booker has continued to improve the choice, price and service we provide to customers.”
Last month the wholesaler released a new range of fresh produce for independent retailers. The 30 products are now available in “shelf-ready” packaging and are all pre-packed and price-marked, with a guaranteed “minimum of 30 per cent [return] for retailers”.
The products are in small case sizes and include staple lines such as onions, broccoli and carrots along with favourite fruits such as mixed grapes, apples and oranges.
Steve Fox, sales director for retail, said: “With 30 products in the range, we are offering independent retailers a wide choice to suit their shoppers. Fresh produce is a vital part of any convenience store, however there are still retailers that are missing this fantastic opportunity to grow their sales…
Shoppers are looking for fresh produce and I would encourage all retailers to try our range to increase their sales.”
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