Irish retailer SuperValu has reported sales of more than €2.6bn for 2015 after a year of steady sales growth, particularly over the busy Christmas shopping period when sales grew by 4.3%. During the year, SuperValu laid claim to the title of Ireland’s largest supermarket, holding a 25% share of the market.

With a chain of 221 stores spread across the country, the retailer employs approximately 14,500 people across Ireland. However, SuperValu said that last year’s sales growth was driven by online customers with online sales for the last six months of the year increasing by more than 30%.

Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu, described 2015’s sales figures as a “milestone” for the retailer. “The fact that we are the largest grocery retailer in Ireland clearly illustrates that we have the best offer in the market, with consumers responding to our commitment to fresh food leadership and opting for locally-sourced, quality Irish food and in-store expertise,” added Kelleher.

Investment

SuperValu also announced that it will open five new stores over the coming year, creating an additional 350 jobs. The new store openings are part of a planned €28m investment in its chain of stores as SuperValu seeks to maintain its leading position within the Irish grocery retail market.

The SuperValu chain is owned by the Cork-based wholesale group Musgraves. Musgraves also control the convenience retail chain Centra, which earlier this year recorded sales of more than €1.5bn for 2015.

Musgraves also announced a significant investment plan for its Centra chain this year, with €16m to be sunk into the chain of stores over the coming 12 months.