Woolworths

Australian grocery giant Woolworths has recorded a 3.7 per cent rise in supermarket sales over the second half of 2012.

Woolworths CEO Grant O'Brien said target marketing in the supermarket division had driven a 3.2 per cent rise in sales across the company’s entire retail group over the 27 weeks to 30 December.

“Effective promotional activities, leveraging our growing customer data capabilities, and the return to inflation in produce have assisted this result,” O'Brien said.

“The growth our businesses are achieving while pursuing a transformational path for Woolworths is pleasing.”

Rival retailer Coles revealed its like-for-like food and liquor sales were up 3.8 per cent for the corresponding period.