Tesco has announced a second consecutive quarter of growth, with UK like-for-like sales up 0.3% for the first financial quarter of the year.

The big four supermarket also saw UK volumes up 2.2% and transactions up 1.7% for the 13-week period to May 28, while international like-for-like sales also grew by 3%.

The retailer attributed UK growth to the strong performance of seven new and exclusive fresh food brands introduced across stores in March, along with competitive prices on meat, fruit and vegetable lines which saved customers up to £1.60 on basket spend.

Dave Lewis, Tesco chief executive, said: “We have delivered a second quarter of positive like-for-like sales growth across all parts of the group in what remains a challenging market with sustained deflation. In both the UK and internationally, we are putting customers at the centre of everything we do and re-configuring our business to serve them a little better every day. Our new fresh food brands are performing very well, with over two-thirds of our customers having bought products from the new range.

“We are encouraged by the progress we are making. By growing volumes, transforming the way we work together with our suppliers, and further optimising our store operating model we are rebuilding profitability in a sustainable way. I am confident that the improvements we are making for customers are working and will create long-term value for our shareholders.”

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