Sales at Asda remained strong last month, with food continuing to outperform, according to parent Wal-Mart’s February sales results.

Sales at Wal-Mart’s international division, which includes the UK, increased 9.9 per cent on a constant currency basis. With a 20.7 per cent impact from currency exchange rates, reported sales were down 10.8 per cent to US$6.5bn (£4.57bn).

Asda’s meat and frozen grocery categories performed particularly well. In general merchandise, the fastest growing areas were childrenswear, baby products, music, video and games.

Wal-Mart International president and chief executive Doug McMillon said: “We’re meeting our customers’ needs for value in all markets. Factoring out the effect of exchange rates and the strong dollar, our international businesses continue to grow steadily.”

Wal-Mart US reported sales up 8.1 per cent to US$20.1bn (£14.14bn), and overall, the Wal-Mart group recorded an uplift of 2.8 per cent to US$30bn (£21.1bn).