SUPERMARKET chain Booths is celebrating after achieving record Christmas sales.

The family-owned independent food and drink retailer has reported an increase of 8.7 per cent in sales during a three week trading period up to January 6.

The company, which has a store in Knutsford achieved sales growth of 6.3 per cent in the 12 weeks before Christmas.

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The retailer saw a growth in both customers and takings.

Knutsford Guardian: Booths reports a sales growth of 6.3 per cent in the 12 weeks before ChristmasBooths reports a sales growth of 6.3 per cent in the 12 weeks before Christmas (Image: Booths)

Sales were boosted by Booths Christmas Book, a hard back containing festive food and drink, colleague recipes and entertaining tips.

Managing director Nigel Murray said: “Everyone at Booths, alongside our supplier partners, has contributed to delivering a great Christmas for our customers and this is reflected in a set of strong trading results.

“We strive to deliver the very best food and drink for our customers, and we can be extremely proud of what we achieved this year.

“The quality of our offer was the best yet and as ever was served up with the warmest of northern welcomes.”

Traditional Christmas fare proved as popular as ever with sales of turkey and poultry up by 10.6 per cent.

Christmas bakery items rose by 21 per cent with Booths mince pies up by 16 per cent.

Sales of smoked salmon increased by 34 per cent and Booths pigs in blanket sales rose by 9.7 per cent.

English wines continue to grow with sales of Booths English sparkling wine up 46 per cent and their Prosecco increased by 20 per cent.

Café takings also went up with sales of the Christmas baguette, a hot turkey, stuffing and cranberry sandwich, up by 28 per cent.

Overall café sales at Booths rose 37 per cent.