BEEF mince and value-added proteins were singled out for mention in strong fresh foods performance within Woolworths’ solid first quarter results for the period ended 30 September announced this morning.

On the eve of the company’s annual general meeting tomorrow, Woolworths Australian supermarket division announced sales up 6.9pc for the first quarter compared with this time last year, largely driven by an increase in transactions. Retail sales (supermarkets, Metros and online sales) rose from $13.73b last year to $14.68b for the quarter ended 30 September.

Woolies rump is retailing this morning at $36/kg, with medallions $44/kg

Strong item growth was seen in core Fresh Food and Grocery Food categories. Fresh food (including packaged meat protein and fruit and veg) sales increased 8.1pc, year on year.

“Demand for meat continued with beef mince and value-added proteins growing strongly,” shareholders were told this morning.

“Everyday Chilled also performed strongly reflecting targeted promotional activity. Woolies Own and exclusive brand sales increased 8.5pc, supported by a strong performance in Fresh Foods and Meat categories.”

During the quarter, 151 new own-brand products were launched, including expanded value lines such as sausages and confectionery.  Average prices in the first quarter declined by 0.7pc reflecting the eleventh consecutive quarter of lower average prices, the company said.

Lower prices were supported by the expansion of the company’s Lower Shelf Price program and price reductions, particularly in Everyday Needs categories.

Beef mince continues to lead Woolworths’s meat price reduction offerings, with lean beef mince (90CL) currently offered at $19/kg, everyday 82CL beef mince $15/kg, beef sausages $11.80/kg. In steak cuts, scotch fillet today is retailing at $53/kg, rump steak $36/kg, rump medallions $44/kg.

Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell said the company was pleased with the start to the year in Australian Food.

“Customers continue to respond to the progress we have made to improve value, enhance our range and provide more convenience,” she said.

Following a recent trend, online (ecommerce) sales increased by 20.2pc, year on year.

“Lower Shelf Price continued to grow during the quarter with more than 1000 products now part of the range, including more branded favourites, and we have seen record boosting of Everyday Rewards offers by members as customers continue to look for value. This has contributed to average prices declining on the prior year again this quarter.”

• Woolworths shares were trading at $40.79 a few minutes ago – close to the three-year high of $41.87 set back on 28 July.