Grocer Edeka posted 4.7% sales growth to E45.6bn (£37.1bn) in 2011. The retailer’s 4,500 independent shopkeepers reported sales of E20bn (£16.3bn), up 8.8%. Its discount store fascia Netto’s turnover increased 3.3% to E10.7bn (£8.71bn).

Edeka opened 244 new Netto stores to reach a total of 4,100. It also opened 190 stores under its other banners, most of which are run by independent shopkeepers. Additionally, Edeka integrated 200 beverage stores into its network.

In 2011, the German market leader invested more than E1.2bn (£977m) in its store network, logistics and IT. This year, the retailer intends to invest E1.4bn (£1.14bn).