Sainsbury’s increased focused on price matching, Nectar and value has led to the grocer outperforming the market, despite Argos losses.

Sainsbury's, Britain's second biggest supermarket group, is on track to deliver full-year profit growth of around 7%, it said on Friday, after robust food sales over the Christmas quarter offset weakness in general merchandise.

Sainsbury's, Britain's second biggest supermarket group, has today reported a 2.8% rise in underlying sales for the key Christmas quarter, with robust grocery sales offset by a weaker performance in general merchandise.

The grocer reported sales volume growth for the key Christmas period and expects to deliver retail operating profit for its fiscal year in line with market consensus.

Sainsbury's, Britain's second biggest supermarket group, on Friday reported a 2.8% rise in underlying sales for the key Christmas quarter, with solid grocery sales offset by a weaker performance in general merchandise.