Woolworths here reported a 10% increase in group sales to $6.0 billion ($9 billion Australian) in the first half of the fiscal year, and officials expect similar results in the second half.

$5.0 billion, which the company attributed to a strong holiday selling period and an upswing in consumer confidence, which has continued into the second half.

Foods associated with the holidays -- such as ham and turkey and sweets -- plus nonfood merchandise such as gift wrap were the hottest selling items, officials said.

The chain's new Plus Petrol food/gasoline outlets also achieved satisfactory results, the company said.