Midcounties Co-operative Society has notched up a 3.4% increase in full-year like-for-like food sales, helped by improved availability.

Total sales rose 6.7% to £788m in the year to 28 January, with operating profits up 15% to £18.1m.

“This marks us out from many others who have not been able to adapt as well to the current trading conditions,” said CEO Ben Reid. “The socially responsible co-operative way of doing business is an enduring and successful one.”