Brief

Tesco reports first‑half sales rise and lifts full‑year profit outlook

The supermarket posted a 1% like‑for‑like sales increase and a 6.3% jump in operating profit, while noting lingering consumer uncertainty.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:35:05 GMT

Tesco announced that sales for the 26 weeks to 29 August reached £33.8 billion, a 1% rise on a like‑for‑like basis, and it raised its full‑year profit guidance.

What happened

For the first half of the financial year, Tesco’s sales, excluding fuel and VAT, totalled £33.8 billion. Compared with the same period last year, like‑for‑like sales were 1% higher, and sales in the United Kingdom alone were 1.5% higher. Online grocery orders grew 8.4% and the rapid‑delivery service Whoosh saw sales jump 37%.

What the reports add

Both the Standard and the Independent reported the same figures, noting that adjusted operating profit rose 6.3% to £1.8 billion. They also highlighted that Tesco now expects full‑year profit between £3.15 billion and £3.3 billion, an improvement on the previous £3 billion‑£3.3 billion range.

What was said

Tesco said consumer confidence remained “relatively resilient” but that “ongoing political tensions continue to create uncertainty”, adding that shoppers are seeking better‑value weekly shops. The company also noted a 9% rise in sales of its premium “Finest” range and a near‑20% increase in fuel sales, which it linked to higher oil prices.

How it came about

Earlier this month, a Felo News survey found that 31% of UK shoppers were abandoning online purchases over scam fears, underscoring the importance of trust in digital retail. Tesco’s strong online growth comes amid that backdrop, as the retailer leverages its e‑commerce platform and rapid‑delivery arm to capture demand for convenience and value.

Key facts

Tesco’s first‑half sales (excluding fuel and VAT) totalled £33.8 billion (standard.co.uk)
Like‑for‑like sales were up 1% year‑on‑year (standard.co.uk)
Online grocery sales grew 8.4% and Whoosh sales rose 37% (standard.co.uk)
Adjusted operating profit increased 6.3% to £1.8 billion (standard.co.uk)
Full‑year profit outlook lifted to £3.15‑£3.3 billion (standard.co.uk)