Food manufacturers and retailers could use promotional labels to boost business further after it was revealed that sales were up during February 2011.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), monthly sales values for predominantly food stores were up three per cent compared to the same period of the previous year.

This rise contributed to an overall boost in the seasonally-adjusted value of retail sales of five per cent year-on-year, while the volume of sales were up by just over one per cent on figures from February 2010.

Commenting on the release of the figures from the ONS, director general of the British Retail Consortium Stephen Robertson stated that consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about their finances, as well as worrying they may lose their jobs.

"Helping customers feel happier about the future and emphasising growth plans as well as the cuts agenda, is crucial to boosting the retail sector, which is in turn vital to the recovery," he said.

Denny Bros Ltd, 28 March 2011