Woolworths reported Aus$27.2bn (£15.17bn) sales for its first half ended January 3, a 6% increase (excluding petrol sales) on the same period last year.

The company said its Australian food and liquor sales for the period were Aus$18.1bn (£10.1bn), a 6.8% increase. Woolworths chief executive Michael Luscombe said supermarkets achieved solid volume and market share growth.

Key strategic initiatives including its Everyday Rewards Program with Qantas Frequent Flyer points, improved range and continued price investment all aided the growth.