Asda returns to food sales growth after two years

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:00 · Archive

Asda recorded its first quarterly food sales growth in more than two years, rising 0.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2026.

Asda has returned to food sales growth for the first time in more than two years. The Leeds-based supermarket saw a 0.1 per cent rise in like-for-like food sales in the third quarter of 2026, marking a recovery after an extended period of decline.

Other parts of the business also improved. Online grocery sales grew 6.9 per cent, whilst Asda Express convenience stores saw a 2.7 per cent increase. Overall group like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, dipped by 0.1 per cent to £5.1 billion in the three months to the end of September. This nonetheless marks an improvement from the second quarter, when group like-for-like sales fell by 2.3 per cent and food sales dropped by 1.9 per cent.

Michael Gleeson, chief financial officer at Asda, said: 'The work we've done through the period to deliver against our strategy was reflected in our third quarter performance. Like-for-like food sales returned to growth in the third quarter, online sales grew strongly and group sales increased, despite the challenging economic backdrop.'

Asda's recovery comes after a period of sustained investment in price cuts designed to attract shoppers. However, this strategy has affected profitability. The company recorded a pre-tax loss of £989 million in 2025, widening from £599 million the previous year. The supermarket was also hampered by IT issues last year that impacted product availability.

How it is being reported

• Asda returns to food sales growth for first time in two yearsASDA has returned to food sales growth for the first time in more than two yearsTelegraph & Argus · 13 Nov, 16:38
• Asda returns to food sales growth for first time in two yearsASDA has returned to food sales growth for the first time in more than two yearsKeighley News · 13 Nov, 16:38
• Asda returns to modest food sales growth as investment in prices pays offSupermarket Asda has said it eked out quarterly food sales growth for the first time in more than two years, as it said investment in prices was paying off.Yorkshire Post · 13 Nov, 14:33

In this story: Asda · Leeds · Michael Gleeson

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