Grocer Publix reported sales rose 5.8% in the second quarter, up to $6.6bn (£4bn), and like-for-like sales up 4.2%. Net earnings rose 9.7% from the previous year to $382.4m (£233.9m).

Chief executive Ed Crenshaw said: “I’m proud our good operating performance resulted in another increase in our stock price.

I congratulate our associates for continuing to deliver a premier service.”

The retailer currently operates 1,036 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.