US grocer Publix has booked a 9.5% increase in profits for the first half of the year.

The Florida-based chain saw net earnings reach US$780.5m in the six-month period, compared to $712.8m in 2010.

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Sales climbed by 5.1% to $13.4bn, the firm said yesterday (1 August). Comparable-store sales for the first half increased by 3.5%.

In the second quarter of the year, Publix saw its net earnings increase 9.7% to $382.4m. Sales climbed 5.8% to $6.2bn, while comparable-store sales grew by 4.2%.

“I’m proud our good operating performance resulted in another increase in our stock price,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “I congratulate our associates for continuing to deliver premier service.”