Sales at Jerónimo Martins rose 15.6% in its first quarter to €2.8bn (£2.41bn). Net profit reached €75m (£64.5m).

Sales at its Polish discount chain Biedronka rose 20%, while sales at the main Portuguese business, Pingo Doce, were up 5.3%.

“The first quarter provides a good basis for another year of growth,” said chief executive Pedro Soares dos Santos.