Kobe Bussan Co (TYO:3038) non-consolidated net sales in April rose 13% to 51.2 billion yen, boosted by a higher number of stores, coverage on television programs and social media.

During the month, the food ingredient manufacturer and retailer opened five stores, bringing the number of Gyomu Super stores to 1,105.

Its product shipments to existing Gyomu Super stores grew 9.8% from a year earlier, while shipments to all stores in directly managed areas were up 12.7%, bringing an increase of 12.9% to all stores nationwide.

In March, sales of frozen vegetables and substitute products for rice showed a strong positive trend due to persistently rising prices.