China’s largest grocer, Lianhua, recorded a 2.2% growth in turnover to CNY10.98bn (£984.5m) in the first half of the year. However, the impact of the financial crisis and a slump in consumer goods prices meant that same-store sales fell 1.7%.

Net profit was up 10% to CNY250m (£22.4m). The group continued to expand its network and secure more locations for development.