Waitrose reported record Christmas sales with growth driven by fresh produce. The retailer reported turnover for the seven days to 24 December 2006 rising by 14 per cent compared with the equivalent period in 2005, on the back of like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) rising by 8.4 per cent.
A Waitrose spokesperson said: “Categories driving growth include fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled prepared foods and service counter foods. Among the festive foods selling particularly well were free range and organic turkeys, along with premium gammons and stuffings."
Managing director Steven Esom said: “Although the trading environment was a competitive one, our performance has proved that shoppers were really seeking out quality this Christmas and our shops were able to meet their expectations."
For the full financial year, Waitrose reported cumulative sales (excluding fuel) up by 11 per cent year-on-year, with like-for-like sales up by 5.2 per cent.
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