SuperValu has announced that it recorded retail sales of €2.67 billion in 2016, calling it a ‘new milestone’ for the supermarket business.
Speaking at the SuperValu National Conference in Killarney this week, managing director Martin Kelleher said, “Our latest record performance, of €2.67 billion in sales in 2016 – an increase of 2.4% over the previous year – demonstrates consumers’ positive response to our fresh-food leadership and ongoing commitment to innovation.
“As Ireland’s leading food retailer, we pride ourselves on delivering an unrivalled shopping experience, with a unique and tailored offer of locally sourced, quality Irish produce complemented by in-store experts. SuperValu independent retailers continue to set us apart and drive the success of the brand.”
SuperValu’s Food Academy programme was responsible for €25 million of retail sales, while its Health & Wellness range delivered sales of over €36 million. Innovations such as SuperValu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire Pork, a fully traceable, 100% Irish pork range launched last year, also boosted the retailer’s performance.
Online shopping proved to be an important sales driver, too, seeing growth of 22% in 2016. SuperValu noted that a shift to mobile was a key trend, with visits from customers browsing SuperValu.ie on smartphones up by 180%.
Another highlight for the retailer was the expansion of its Real Rewards loyalty scheme. The scheme now has over a million members, along with six national partners, including Aer Lingus, Bank of Ireland and Electric Ireland.
SuperValu has also unveiled plans to open three new stores this year, as part of an overall €35 million investment in store revamps.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan
