Wellington, July 22 NZPA - New Zealand supermarkets owned by Australian company Woolworths sold $5 billion worth of goods in the 52 weeks to June 28.

Woolworths has the Foodtown, Countdown, Fresh Choice and Woolworths brands in New Zealand and competes with locally owned co-operative Foodstuffs.

Woolworth said its annual New Zealand supermarket sales were up 3.6 percent in New Zealand dollar terms and after adjustment. The company's financial year in 2008 had 53 weeks in it and this was adjusted to 52 for comparison.

Fourth quarter sales increased by 4.8 percent but were up 5.5 percent when adjusted to make them comparable.

"Our significant business improvement in our supply chain, service levels, refurbishment and amenity initiative are gaining traction particularly in the last quarter, despite the difficult conditions in New Zealand," said Peter Smith, managing director of Progressive Enterprises, the New Zealand supermarket unit. The company opened three new supermarkets and refurbished 24 stores in New Zealand in the year.

The company also owns consumer electronic brands, including Dick Smith. Its sales in consumer electronics declined 5.8 percent in New Zealand.