Wholesale and indies rake in seasonal sales

Wholesalers and independents massively outpeformed the big box supermarkets this Christmas.

Buying group Nisa said like-for-like sales through its central distribution had shot up by 16.6%, with volume up 11.8% in the five weeks to 1 January. Its strongest growth came from confectionery, licensed products and seasonal biscuits.

Cash & carry giant Booker chalked up impressive like-for-like sales growth of 6.5% in the 16 weeks to 30 December. Total sales rose 7%, with tobacco sales up 7.6% and non-tobacco sales up 6.7%.

AG Parfett & Sons, meanwhile, reported sales up 4% to £94m over the same period. Its performance was buoyed by 7% growth in cigarettes and 16% in wines and spirits - although its core grocery business fell 5%. Own label had made the strongest contribution to sales in three years, said MD David Grimes.

JJ Food Service posted a 36.6% rise in sales to £47.4m in the last quarter of 2011 as new customers took up its click-and-collect service. Group manager Terry Larkin said JJ was now attracting indie retailers on top of its core catering customers.

Independent retailers also had a strong festive season. Booths posted a 3.07% rise in like-for-like sales in the three weeks to 31 December. Entertaining at home had been key, with sales of Champagne up 32% and regional beers up 25%, the northern supermarket chain said.

Welsh indie Harry Tuffins recorded a 13% rise in like-for-like sales (including fuel) in the three weeks to Christmas. But the mild weather reduced sales of non-food seasonal goods, which was reflected in a more modest 0.5% rise with fuel stripped out, MD Paul Delves said.

Meanwhile, Cook posted its best festive results yet, with like-for-likes up 13.1% in the four weeks to 25 December.