Conviviality Retail has announced a 0.5% increase in like-for-like sales in the six months to 30 April 2017.

The Bargain Booze owner said total sales rose 6.1% to £374m in the year to the end of April amid a “strong trading performance” across the Conviviality group.

Excluding tobacco, like-for-like sales in Conviviality Retail’s franchise stores grew by 1.5% in the second half of the year.

Conviviality ceo Diana Hunter said: “We have come to the end of an unprecedented year of change and I am pleased to report a strong trading performance for the Group and for each of its business units.

“It is encouraging to see our customers and suppliers benefiting from the skills and the expertise of the enlarged Group, its scale and reach and its positioning as the UK’s leading drinks wholesaler and distributor.

“We have made great progress on the integration of Matthew Clark and the acquisition and integration of Bibendum PLB Group. Our focus will continue to be on improving the business and ensuring that benefits are realised from our greater scale, as we drive efficiencies for the Group and greater service for our customers.”