Catering profits up despite UK smoking ban

UK cash-and-carry group Booker today said a drive for more business in the catering sector had helped it overcome falling tobacco sales.

With the smoking ban in public places coming into force in England from July, like-for-like sales from tobacco were down 3.9% in the six months to September 14, faster than the 1.8% drop seen last year.

Demand for seasonal products was also affected by the poor summer weather, but Booker made up for much of the decline by improving levels of business with caterers, with sales in this area up by 3.2% on a year earlier.

Sales across the group were £1.5bn (€2.2bn) in the 24 week period, up 2.5% overall and ahead by 0.4% on a same-store basis.