SPAR International has recorded its strongest rise in sales in five years, helped by continued expansion across the globe. For the fiscal year ending 31 December 2015, sales were up 3,5% year-on-year to €33bn (R545 billion).

Sales in Europe improved considerably, with the group reporting a 2%-rise in the UK, a 2,4%-increase in Austria, 2,9% in Hungary, and 6% in Belgium. However, the strongest growth was recorded in Eastern European markets such as Croatia (+15%), Poland (+17%), and Russia (+19,2%).

SPAR also did well in Asia, reporting a 6,8%-rise in sales across China (to €1,9 billion), while expanding the markets of India and Indonesia. Meanwhile, in South Africa, sales were up 18%.

The chain said it was helped by its entry into four new markets during the year - Indonesia, Cameroon, Oman and Azerbaijan.

“The continuing growth of the brand in new and emerging markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as the quickening pace of recovery in many of our traditional European markets, is testament to both the adaptability of the SPAR brand and the entrepreneurial drive of our retail partners,” the company said.