09/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - According to estimates published on Wednesday by Eurostat, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.6% in the euro zone and by 2.7% in the European Union (EU 15) in October 2002, compared to October 2001. Compared to September 2002, sales increased 0.7% in both zones. In annual terms (October 2002/October 2001), the retail trade in the food sector increased 1.9% in the euro zone and 2.5% in the EU15. The sales volume increased in all Member States except Germany (-1.3%), Belgium (-0.4%) and Portugal (-0.3%). The largest rates of growth were noted in Sweden (8.4%), Denmark (6.8%) and the United Kingdom (6.3%). In terms of monthly variations (October/September 2002), sales in the food sector increased by 1.2% in the euro zone and by 1.1% in the EU15. The volume of sales only fell in Ireland (-1.8%), Germany (-0.5%) and Portugal (-0.4%). The largest increases were recorded in France (1.6%), Austria (1.3%) and Finland (1.2%).