SuperValu reported a 9 per cent increase in turnover to €1.55 billion last year. However, it declined to say what profit it made in 2002.

The company, part of the Musgrave retail group, unveiled plans to open up to 10 new outlets at a cost of €50 million in the next 12 months, predicting growth will boost turnover by €70 million. Some €80 million has been set aside for refurbishment of existing stores.

Expansion will be concentrated in Leinster, Dublin and border regions, underscoring SuperValu's determination to expand beyond Munster, where its outlets are most heavily concentrated.

Sites have been identified in Ratoath, Co Meath, Cavan town, Buncrana, Co Donegal, and Aston Quay, Dublin, where SuperValu is to develop a late-night foodhall-style store.

Development of SuperValu's own-brand range has been prioritised for 2003, said managing director Mr Michael Nason.

Own-brand sales were worth €165 million last year, 10 per cent of annual retail income. Non-grocery goods have recently been introduced to branches and are forecast to be worth €12 million in sales this year.

The chain was growing faster than rivals Tesco and Dunnes Stores and had gained market share in the face of aggressive competition from the convenience sector - including Musgrave sibling Centra, Mr Nason told SuperValu's annual conference in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday.

Last year Musgrave said it would spend €90 million on upgrading information technology and logistics infrastructure, including a warehousing and distribution hub in Kilcock, Co Kildare.

Musgrave does not break down the financial performance of individual operations.

Most recent financial results show annual group turnover of €2.27 billion for 2001, up 12.8 per cent on the previous year. Operating profits rose 38 per cent to €57.3 million. Profits before taxation climbed 37 per cent to €47 million.

In June, it purchased Budgens, the British grocery chain, for €270 million.