RECORD food sales have been recorded for the East of England Co-operative Society during the festive period.Over the seven week period to January 5, the total food sales across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex grew by almost 10 per cent.

RECORD food sales have been recorded for the East of England Co-operative Society during the festive period.

Over the seven week period to January 5, the total food sales across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex grew by almost 10 per cent.

Roger Grosvenor, general manager of trading for the firm, said: “This represents a significant improvement in our market share during this critical period and maintains the momentum achieved during the rest of the year.

“Like for like sales over the same period showed a 2.9 per cent increase above last year, which is a very pleasing result, especially with shoppers leaving their final food purchases for Christmas later than ever.”

Richard Samson, chief executive of the Society, added: “My Society colleagues have done a fantastic job over this busy period, producing record food sales across our portfolio of supermarkets and convenience stores, despite a fiercely competitive trading environment.

“We are delighted with these figures and I would like to thank Roger, his team and all my colleagues across the East of England Co-operative Society's trading group for the massive effort put in and enthusiasm shown in looking after our customers so well during the frenetic festive season.”