Sainsbury’s has reported sales for its second quarter rose 4.3%, with like-for-like sales up 1.9% for the 16 weeks to 29 September 2012.

Total sales for the first half of the year were up 4.1%, excluding fuel.

Justin King, chief executive, said that this summer had been “unique and special”, with Sainsbury’s outperforming the market with another quarter of good sales.

He added: “We are seeing the benefit of our ongoing investment in our own-label ranges, particularly By Sainsbury’s, which is growing at its strongest rate in recent years, and our Taste The Difference range, which is seeing near double-digit growth.

“Our own-label penetration is increasing at a faster rate than any of the major supermarkets – a testament to the investment we have made in the quality of our products.”