Asda reports a Healthy Christmas
per cent after concentrating on healthy organic and locally sourced
products.
The British supermarket lured over 20 million customers through its doors during the festive period, resulting in stores taking over £3m jumping by 50 per cent.
"With customer numbers up, the re-invigoration of our food-business with better quality produce, more premium and organic ranges and the widest choice of local products, this proved to be the perfect Christmas present for everyone that shopped with us over the festive period," said Andy Bond, president and CEO of ASDA.
Asda launched a number of initiatives last year that saw the supermarket start to work more closely local British farmers. There has aslo been a greater emphasis on fresh and organic produce, helping the supermarket to appeal to both the ethical and health concious consumer.
This Christmas Asda launched a traditional British range of turkey called Blue Slate from the 1800s, which flew off shelves completely selling out. Total turkey sales rose by 26 per cent, as customers opted for more traditional foods.
Early last year the supermarket committed to only stocking fish from sustainable sources. All fish in stores now comes from fisheries that meet the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) standards.
Two years ago Asda adopted the NFU's 'vision for the dairy industry', sourcing its milk from local producers costing the store £6m (€9m) as a result of the deal, which allows farmers to keep 1p extra per litre above the Arla price base.
Asda appointed Arla to become its sole supplier of fresh milk. As a result of this move a dedicated group of 550 producers, the Asda farmer partners, began solely supplying Asda with its own label fresh milk.
The food retailer introduced organic pumpkins at Halloween, and is currently looking to extend its local offerings to its meat ranges.
