US group Target Corp is to enhance its grocery offering at a rapid pace over the next year, with plans in place to add sections for fresh food to more than half of its 1,500 stores.

The discount retailer revealed at a recent media meeting that 'P-fresh' grocery sections would adorn around 850 stores by the end of next year, Reuters reported.

In addition, the group's chief financial officer Douglas Scovanner told reporters that Target would launch its first small-format outlet in Seattle during 2012, with a number of other locations also being considered.

While the group is keen to enhance its fresh food offering, it is also expected to add a greater range of packaged food to its shelves.