Spain's DIA group posts 5 billion euros in sales in H1 | Progresiv

Spanish retail group DIA has posted gross sales under banner of 5.04 billion euros in the first half of the year, which is a 12% increase in local currency terms compared to the same period last year.

The retailer said that the growth was due to an 'ongoing improvement in the commercial offer at the company’s ten commercial banners in the countries in which it operates', as well as an 'ongoing investment in prices'.

In Iberia, sales were up 3.4% to 3.34 billion euros, with Spain seeing a rise of 3.7% to 2.94 billion euros. In Argentina, Brazil and China, the increase amounted to 26.7% in local currency.

“The sales trend accelerated in every market in Q2 2016, with positive comparable sales growth in the second quarter and year-to-date in all DIA countries despite the challenging business conditions," said Ricardo Currás, chief executive of DIA Group.

"The plans to improve the commercial proposition for our customers combined with significant price investments in a tough environment are paying off."

Commenting on its performance, Barclays European Food Retail Equity Research said, "Overall we are pleased to see the clearly positive Iberian LFL sales in 2Q following 13 quarters of declines, some of which were very significant. Management seems confident that positive LFL sales can continue for the coming quarters and that cash generation will continue to be strong." (www.esmmagazine.com)