Bradford-based supermarket group Morrisons said on Tuesday group like-for-like (LFL) sales excluding fuel were up 3.6% for the nine weeks to January 6, comprising contributions from retail of 0.6% and wholesale of 3.0%.

Group LFL including fuel was up 3.4%. Total sales were up 4.0% excluding fuel.

“As has been widely reported, there was a change in consumer behaviour during the period,” said Morrisons.

“Morrisons performed well, sustaining a strong offer and trading the business hard for customers. 

“We were again more competitive, with the price of our basket of key Christmas items the same as last year.”

Morrisons CEO David Potts said: “This is Morrisons fourth consecutive Christmas of like for like sales growth during the turnaround.

“Our performance shows colleagues are listening hard and responding to customers, providing consistently great value and good quality when it matters most.”