The latest TNS figures on the UK grocery market cast a positive light on trading over the Christmas period. For the 12 weeks to 27 December 2009, the major multiples achieved higher sales than the comparable figures in 2007.

Waitrose, in particular, saw a large sales rise – up 16.5%, while The Co-operative’s sales were up 13.1%, Morrisons’ rose by 10.3% and Sainsbury’s sales increased by 6.9%.

According to TNS, Waitrose’s sales hike was the highest recorded growth for the supermarket in both market share and turnover since August 2005.

Edward Garner, communications director at TNS Worldpanel, said that, in 2008, the recession put a stop to consumers prioritising the quality of food over its value.

“But we are now seeing signs of a return to more traditional Christmas purchasing habits, with a growth in premium ranges, particularly Tesco Finest, over the festive period,” said Garner.