Tesco has exceeded analyst forecasts with a 2.2% rise in like-for-like grocery sales in the UK over Christmas, compared to the same period last year.
Performance for Britain’s biggest retailer exceeded analyst forecasts of 1%-1.5%.
Results for the six-week period to 5 January 2019 also show growth of 0.6% at constant exchange rates and actual exchange rates.
This brought overall like-for-like growth to 1.2% against the same period last year.
The strong performance followed Q3 like-for-like sales growth of 0.7%.
Chief executive Dave Lewis said: “In the UK we delivered significant improvements in our competitive offer and this is reflected in a very strong Christmas performance, which was ahead of the market.”
Like-for-like group sales growth, across the UK, Ireland, Central Europe and Asia, sat at 0.8% for the 19 weeks.
Lewis said the group was “reshaping” its business in Central Europe, where like-for-like sales dipped by 2.8% over the 19-week period.
The trading update pointed to the closure of Tesco Direct and net store closures in Central Europe, dragging down the total sales at constant exchange rates (-0.2%) and actual exchange rates (-0.1%) for the group. Poland saw 14 store closures, with a further 32 planned.
Lewis added: “We have more to do everywhere but remain bang on track to deliver our plans for the year and as we enter our centenary we are in a strong position.”
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