Nisa has announced a year-to-date sales increase of 3.1% for the 39 weeks from April 2011 until December 2011, driven by existing members purchasing an increasing amount of products through Nisa’s Central Distribution Services (CDS).

This was evident over the Christmas trading period, claims the symbol group. For the five-week period running from December 5 until January 1, like-for-like sales were up 16.6% and volume increased by 11.8%.

The categories which achieved the most like for like growth throughout December include confectionery, which increased in value by 6.8%; licensed products by 14.9%; and seasonal biscuits by 15.8%.

Nisa has experienced some loss of business during the current financial year, due to Mills and Sandpiper selling large parts of their estate and the failure of Haldanes. These members represented 6% of sales through CDS.

John Sharpe, managing director of central distribution, trading & logistics, said: “We are extremely pleased to report positive trading results at a time when trading conditions are proving difficult for all businesses.

"This is a result of a combination of factors including excellent retailers in Nisa membership, strong central support and excellent deals secured by the Nisa trading team. We look forward to this continuing throughout 2012.”