Market leader Tesco has predictably weighed in to the post-Christmas retail celebration, reporting a "successful" Christmas, with strong growth and record sales.
In the six weeks to January 6, like-for-like UK sales rose by 5.9 per cent, an increase that sits at the top end of expectations and comes after rivals Sainsbury's and Morrisons also reported record festive sales.
Tesco said in a statement that sales in the period were driven by organic foods and products in its premium "Finest" range.
Organic food sales shot up by 39 per cent, while meat and poultry was the key sector driving Finest growth.
Tesco's online business also performed well, with total sales up by more than 30 per cent to more than £150 million. Tesco distributed more than 14m items in its busiest Christmas week to date.
Tesco, uniquely amongst the UK high street giants, has a massive international presence, and its overseas sales were up by 15.8 per cent. Total group sales at Tesco, excluding petrol, were up by 9.9 per cent over the period.
