Independent supermarket network SuperValu is to create almost 200 jobs with the opening of two new stores over the next 12 months.

The stores will open in Celbridge, Co Kildare, and Miltown Malbay during 2012, as part of a €20 million investment programme in the store network. Thirty stores are also set to be revamped as part of the programme.

In total, SuperValu said it would add 400 jobs in the next year as other stores join its network and existing stores are extended. That will bring the group's workforce to almost 12,000, with 195 stores around the country.

"Despite a tough trading environment, 2011 was a good year for SuperValu with two billion in retail sales and achieving market share of almost 20 per cent," said managing director Martin Kelleher.