Tesco has reported a record rise in annual profits, seeing the figure rise 10.1 per cent to £3.4 billion.
Easing food inflation and slowing UK sales growth in the year to 27 February failed to stop the supermarket’s continued rise.
Tesco plans to create 9,000 jobs this year after a strong performance in non-food bolstered business.
UK like-for-like sales growth for the overall year slowed to 3.2 per cent.
The group's non-food business generated £9bn in UK revenues after steadily improving sales over the year.
Chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said Tesco "had weathered the economic storm well" and predicted a "slow and steady" pull out of recession for the UK.
Leahy added: "There is a huge deficit out there and there will be tightening. Our job is to make sure we do the best job for our customers."
Tesco used promotions on its Clubcard loyalty scheme to fight back against its big four rivals.
Finance director Lawrie McIlwee said consumer confidence was "improving" although there was uncertainty around the outcome of the general election.
McIlwee also poured cold water on Asda chief executive Andy Bond's ambition to become the biggest player in non-food within five years, saying Tesco would continue to be strong.
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