The five biggest retailers in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) sector saw sales grow by almost one billion euros in 2006 against 2005, exceeding 3.5 billion euros, according to the data supplied by the companies.

The development of international retailers such as Metro, Rewe, Carrefour and Kaufland, generated the most dynamic year yet for the modern retail of consumer goods.

Plans released for 2007 by the large networks predict record sales for the yearend.

According to the Shopper Trends survey, which was conducted by the market research company Nielsen in the last part of 2006, statistics show that three quarters of consumers in the major cities use most of the budget allocated for household spending in hypermarkets, supermarkets, cash & carry and discount stores.

The Romanian retail of consumer goods, which is dominated by strong international players, is now undergoing a new segmentation in terms of store formats.

Relying on the purchasing power of Romanians and on a modification of consumption habits, hypermarkets and supermarkets now account for 23.6% of the overall value of the sales derived on the FMCG market, compared with a level of 20% in 2004.

However, the segment including 21-40 square metre food retailers remains the most developed on the FMCG retail market generating 31% of the value of overall sales.

Following close behind the hypermarket and supermarket segment are the food retailers with a sales area of less than 20 square metres. These stores account for 20% of the overall market, according to the same data.

"The discount-type stores continue to lead the market, both in terms of numbers and in terms of annual development, while supermarkets are counterattacking through national network expansion," the Nielsen survey states.

The cash & carry segment, on which the Metro and Rewe German group