UK retail giant Tesco has reported strong first-quarter sales growth and said its UK sales growth outperformed the rest of the industry.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Group sales for the twelve weeks to 22 May 2004 rose 12.3% compared to the year-ago quarter. Tesco said total UK sales for the twelve-week period were up 11.1%, “significantly ahead of the industry”. Like-for-like sales were up 7.8%, driven by strong volumes of 7.7%.


International sales were up 24% in the first quarter in local currencies. Tesco said the currency impact due to the strong pound resulted in sterling sales being up 18%, in line with the company’s plans.


“All countries contributed to this growth despite some continued tough trading conditions,” Tesco said.


“I am particularly pleased that our core UK food business has continued to grow market share and to perform very strongly in the first quarter,” added chief executive Terry Leahy.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now