Superquinn factor boosts SuperValu sales 23%

SuperValu has reported a near 23% increase in annual retail sales to €2.58bn for 2014, aided by a first year’s contribution from the 24 former Superquinn stores which the Musgrave-owned business inherited early last year.

The company also announced yesterday, its intention to invest €18m this year in opening four stores, including at Athlone, Co Westmeath, and Kilcock, Dublin, which will add 280 jobs to the SuperValu network. The retailer ranks as one of the country’s largest private sector employers, with around 14,500 workers.

Recent figures from consumer insights agency Kantar Worldpanel showed SuperValu has a 24.9% share of the grocery market, second only to Tesco, weekly serving around 2.6m customers.

Speaking yesterday, SuperValu managing director Martin Kelleher said the 2014 figures can be used as a springboard for future growth this year.

“We are satisfied with our current trading performance, having finished the year well with a good Christmas trading period,” said Mr Kelleher. “We believe that SuperValu can continue to go from strength to strength in 2015.

“We will continue to drive the momentum behind SuperValu into 2015 through our food leadership programme, commitment to local suppliers through initiatives like Food Academy, and exceptional value through quality own-brand products and promotions.”

The Food Academy is a joint venture between SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office network to support small food firms.

SuperValu’s strong 2014 figures follow on from another strong performance from sister chain Centra which earlier this month reported a 3% rise in 2014 sales to €1.5bn, thus cementing its position as the leading convenience store brand.