SuperValu sales hit €2.2bn

Irish independent supermarket network SuperValu today announced a record sales performance of €2.2bn in the Republic of Ireland, a 10% increase over its 2006 performance.

The results were announced by Donal Horgan, Managing Director of SuperValu, at its national conference in Killarney, which was attended by more than 600 delegates.

At the conference, SuperValu also announced details of job creation, investment and new store openings for 2007 and 2008.

In 2007, sales up 10% to €2.2bn with like-for-like growth of 8%. Nine new stores opened at an investment of €17.6m, with a further €57.8m invested in the revamp of 36 existing stores.

More than 1,300 new jobs created in 2007 across the SuperValu network.

In 2008, €25m will be invested in the opening of eight new stores, with a further €39m to be invested in the revamp and extension of a further 41 existing stores.

Around 700 new jobs are to be created bringing the total number of people employed across the SuperValu network to more than 13,000.

Speaking at the conference, SuperValu managing director Donal Horgan said: “SuperValu’s sales performance in 2007 was as a result of significant investment on the part of our retail partners and also as a result of our focus on delivering the best quality, value and choice to Irish consumers.”

“Though operating in a more uncertain economic climate, we are confident that as a result of the focus on developing the brand and our offer to consumers, SuperValu is positioned to compete and to continue to develop its store network in 2008.

“We have responded to consumer demands for fresh quality products, value for money and convenience and have developed our offer around these demands.”

Commenting on the outlook for 2008, Mr Horgan said; “As part of this agenda 41 existing SuperValu stores will be revamped at an investment of €39m, while eight new stores at an investment of €25m will be opened during the year.

“This will result in the creation of 700 new jobs across the SuperValu network. Together with our retail partners in communities across Ireland, we are committed to further enhancing our locally based offer, providing a real alternative to the multiples for Irish consumers.”