Nisa has reported an 8.1% rise in volumes to a record 113.25 million cases for 2013.

The retail buying group said volumes had been buoyed by its new contract to supply 330 c-stores owned by McColl’s Retail Group - secured in June.

Its decision to offer bread via central distribution as well as higher member loyalty had also boosted figures, it added.

The news comes two weeks after Nisa reported strong Christmas trading, with growth of 16.4% by volume and 15.3% by value in the four trading weeks of December.

“Nisa has shown strong volume growth in 2013 via its central distribution service, further demonstrating the robust position it finds itself in entering 2014,” said distribution director Jon Stowe. “We have invested heavily in our distribution service to ensure we can offer a first-rate service with even greater efficiency, while passing on none of the costs of these improvements.”

Meanwhile, Nisa has reported a strong response to its Facebook Advent calendar competition. ‘Likes’ rose 9.9% while its first post on 1 December was seen by 34,632 people, shared 711 times and commented on by 2,502 people.