Woolies liquor sales up 12 per cent

By James Atkinson

Woolworths has reported total liquor sales for the 2011-12 financial year of $6.6 billion, an 11.9 per cent increase on last year.

Woolworths today said the result reflects the impact of new liquor stores and pub outlets, as well as a full year of Cellarmasters ownership.

Director of liquor Brad Banducci said Dan Murphy's continued to gain market share with 20 store openings during the year and four opening in the fourth quarter, bringing total Dan Murphy's stores to 160.

"Pleasingly, our convenience liquor business (BWS and Woolworths Liquor) trended well despite the growth of big box liquor," he said.

"The Cellarmasters Group integration is complete and we continue to develop our online presence through Dan Murphy's and Cellarmasters."

Woolworths Australian Food and Liquor sales for the year were $37.5 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion or 3.8 per cent on the previous year.

During the fourth quarter, sales for Australian Food and Liquor increased $0.3 billion or 3.8 per cent on the previous year.

Australian Food and Liquor comparable store sales increased 1.1 per cent for the year and 1.3 per cent for the fourth quarter.