In the US, retail group Kroger has reported an increase in first-quarter sales of its private-label brands as a result of consumer cost cutting amid rising fuel and food prices, reports Reuters.

Kroger chief executive David Dillon told analysts that the group had enjoyed strong sales during the period. 'We did see solid growth in Kroger corporate brand share in the first quarter,' he said.

Retail analysts have been searching for clues at to whether consumers will switch their purchases away from branded foods to lower price, private label options.