SuperValu sales up 4.7%

Grocery retail group SuperValu today announced a 4.7% increase in sales to €1.75bn in the Republic of Ireland for the year ending December 31.

The results were issued at the National Conference in Killarney attended by more than 400 retailers, where SuperValu also indicated its intention to add a further 10 new stores in 2005.

SuperValu Managing Director Donal Horgan said: "This real growth comes against a backdrop of a fall in food prices in 2004, which marked exceptional growth for SuperValu in terms of store openings with 14 new stores coming on stream."

A total of 182 SuperValu outlets employ more than 12,600 people. Some €65m was invested by retailers in new store developments in 2004, adding 165,000 sq. ft. of retail space. An additional €50m has been invested in store refurbishments in 22 outlets.

During 2004 Musgrave’s new €35m 150,000sq ft warehousing and distribution operation in Kilcock, Co Kildare, came on stream. It will be fully operational by the middle of this year and will employ more than 200 people.