The two supermarket chains in the Cork-based Musgrave group, SuperValu and Centra, had combined sales last year of more than €2.85 billion last year, according to new data.
Musgrave said yesterday that sales in 171 large-format SuperValu outlets rose by 5 per cent to €1.82 billion in the year, excluding fuel sales. While the stores are owned and run by independent franchisees, Musgrave is a big beneficiary of any rise in sales as it is the dominant wholesaler to each of the outlets.
However, the increase in SuperValu sales was behind the rise in sales last year at its small-format Centra stores.
Data released last month by Musgrave showed that sales at the 382 Centra outlets rose by more than 11 per cent to €1.035 billion. Like-for-like sales were up 8.5 per cent when the contribution from 43 new Centra stores was excluded.
When publishing its figures, Musgrave cited figures from research company Taylor Nelson Sofres, which said it held 20 per cent of the market by the end of January. "Our sales figures and marketshare growth reflect a very healthy performance and show real growth against a backdrop of falling food prices and growing competition in the sector," said SuperValu managing director Donal Horgan.
The group plans to open 10 new SuperValu stores this year, in addition to the transfer in the southeast of five Pettit's outlets to the brand from the start of January.
Musgrave is ramping up investment in the chain, after expenditure of more than €70 million in 2005 - €40 million of which went to existing stores. The other €30 million was spent opening five new stores in Clondalkin, Dunmanway, Wexford, Letterkenny and Grange in Cork.
The investment in new stores this year will be €40 million, Musgrave said. It went on to say that another €105 million will be invested in the refurbishment or extension of 54 stores already in the network.
"Approximately 350 jobs will be created in 10 new stores, with an additional 250 jobs expected through the extension and refurbishment of existing stores," said Mr Horgan.
"In 2005, the SuperValu buying group sourced fresh foods in Ireland worth over €1 billion at retail level."
He said Musgrave sourced about 75 per cent of its total purchases from Irish suppliers. "This is worth €2.1 billion, with approximately 60 per cent of these goods actually produced in Ireland."
