The Co-operative Group (Co-op) enjoyed a strong Christmas, with sales up over the three weeks to 3 January, helped by beers, seasonal lines and fresh food.
According to the Co-op, like-for-like food sales over this period grew by 6%, meaning sales growth not including new stores over the fourth quarter was 5.2%.
The Co-op said like-for-like sales growth for the last 52 weeks was 4.9%.
Managing director of food retail Tim Hurrell said: “These results represent a good trading performance from our food business in an increasingly competitive market place and a difficult economic climate.
“We continue to make very good progress in all our target areas with great products, local convenience, good value and responsible retailing at the heart of our customer offer.
“Leading into and throughout the seasonal trading period, we sharpened our prices and strengthened our customer offer providing even greater value locally, backed by our best ever national TV advertising and local marketing campaign.”
Hurrell added that the firm’s Fairtrade offerings complemented its success.
He said: “For example, our Fairtrade offering included Champagne truffles, Christmas puddings and mince pies, all our fresh turkeys were free range and British, and all our own-brand Christmas cards and wrapping paper were accredited by the Forestry Stewardship Council.”
Just before Christmas, the Co-op said it is adding five cheeses to its own-brand range, including cracked black pepper.
It also said its bacon, pork and sausages will be made using Freedom-Food accredited Hampshire pork.
