Sainsbury’s the big winner as Tesco wobbles

SAINSBURY’S share of the grocery sector rose to its highest level since March 2003 as larger rival Tesco suffered in the run up to Christmas.

Britain’s supermarket sector grew by 4.8 per cent in the 12 weeks to Christmas Day, but lagged behind the 5.9 per cent rise in food price inflation, according to data released yesterday by Kantar Worldpanel.

Tesco, which delivers a trading update tomorrow, was the big loser, with its market share dropping to 30.1 per cent from 30.5 per cent year-on-year.

Sainsbury’s, which reports today, grew its share to 16.7 per cent from 16.6 per cent, while Asda was up to 17.2 per cent from 16.8 per cent.

The “tale of two nations” continued, with up-market Waitrose growing its share, while discount chains Aldi, Iceland and Lidl also made gains.