Booths has posted a rise in Christmas sales as the grocery retailer’s like for likes increased, driven by sales of English wine and own-brand party food.

The grocer posted a 3.5% rise in sales in the three weeks to January 5, up 2.7% in like-for-like terms.

The independent food retailer attributed its performance to strong sales of own-brand lines, with sales of own-brand pigs in blankets and stuffing balls up 25% and 85% respectively.

Sales of Booths’ annual Christmas Book, which features the retailer’s Christmas offer and recipes written by colleagues, also rose 6.8%, with pre-orders proving so popular the business has extended the service year round.

New Year sales were up 7%, while sales of own-brand party food increased by 21%.

Sales of English wine during the period overall rose 36% and own-brand wines were up 4%. Sales of low- and no-alcohol wines also climbed 73%.

Chairman and chief executive Edwin Booth said: “Booths performed very well this Christmas. Customers have confidence in our commitment to deliver excellent service and exceptional food & drink.

“At a time when customers shop at several retailers for Christmas, including discounters, they trust Booths for the centrepiece and all the trimmings.”