The Finnish retail and wholesale chain Kesko's stores, K-Group and K-Citymarket, have increased their market shares. This is according to preliminary data from the Finnish grocery trade association PTY, as stated in a press release.

K Group stores managed to increase their market share by 0.5 percentage points in the fourth quarter. The market share reportedly grew across all store sizes. Additionally, market share rose by 0.2 percentage points during the period from July to December.

"I am very pleased with the turnaround in the market share trend for K-Group's grocery stores. Kesko's strategic investments in the store network as well as in the quality and price levels of the grocery stores are now starting to yield results," says Jorma Rauhala, CEO of Kesko. In the hypermarket segment, K-Citymarket gained market share throughout the year, according to PTY.

The Finnish grocery market has been challenging in recent years, with a strong focus on price due to weak consumer confidence. However, since last summer, positive signs have begun to emerge.