Woolworths

Leading Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has reported an increase in group sales of 6.5 per cent for the third quarter (Q3) of the year, up to A$12.3bn from A$11.58bn during the previous year.

Growth was boosted by increased demand in both the food and liquor divisions, which accounts for around 35 per cent of the company's total sales, Reuters reported.

The result was slightly ahead of Reuter's analysts predictions that sales would increase by 6.4 per cent in the third quarter.

The group was negatively impacted by a 15 per cent reduction in fuel prices through the quarter, with sales excluding petrol climbing 9 per cent.