Australia’s largest supermarket Woolworths said it made a “good start” to the financial year today (21 October), posting a 9.6% increase in total first quarter sales helped by continued price re-investment.


Total sales for the 14 weeks to 5 October reached A$12.8bn (US$8.8bn), up from A$11.7m in the same period last year.


In particular, the retailers supermarket division increased sales 9.7% to A$11bn from A$10bn in the previous year, while Big W pushed sales 10.7% to A$1.04bn from A$936m in the comparable period.


Australian food and liquor sales were up 8.3% to A$8.3bn from A$7.6bn in 2007, while New Zealand supermarkets posted a 5.6% drop to A$1.01bn from A$1.07bn in 2008.


The company said that it had benefitted from key strategic initiatives focussed on its customers, including the accelerated rollout of its 2010c store format.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Michael Luscombe, managing director and CEO said: “This is a good start to the financial year. Particularly pleasing is the continued momentum in our Australian operations, with an overall improvement in comparable sales growth.


“We are mindful that discretionary spending continues to be influenced by macroeconomic factors and will be influenced by the recent events in global financial markets.”


Luscombe maintained the company’s outlook for the full year with sales expected to grow in the “upper single digits”.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now