Tesco bags bigger lead over rivals

TESCO is extending its lead in market share while its two main rivals have lost customers in recent weeks, according to the latest industry data collated by TNS.

The data, based on till receipts provided by the food retail industry, show Tesco's market share improved to 27.4% in the three months to 29 February, up from 27.2% a month ago and 26.2% a year ago.

Wm Morrison was the only other major grocer to have added customers, with its share reaching 6.6% before the completion of its takeover of Safeway, which has an 8.7% share.

Asda, whose share improved to 17% from 16.6% a year ago, slipped from 17.1% in last month's figures.

Sainsbury slipped to 16.4% from 16.5% last month and 17.2% last year. Somerfield had a 5.1% share and Big Food's Iceland had 2.2%, both down on last month.