Tesco has raised the lower end of its full-year profit guidance, as it reports resilient sales growth across its UK grocery business in the first half of 2026.

The supermarket giant said adjusted operating profit rose 6.5 per cent to £1.78bn for the 26 weeks to 29 August, while group sales excluding VAT and fuel increased 2 per cent to £33.8bn.

UK like-for-like sales increased 1.5 per cent during the period, although growth did slow from 1.8 per cent in the first quarter. Tesco admitted to facing tougher comparatives, and a particularly hot summer.

Tesco said its performance was supported by continued growth in online shopping, with ecommerce sales up 8 per cent. Its premium Finest range also delivered a 9 per cent increase in sales, as shoppers continued to spend on premium food for eating at home.

Ken Murphy, chief executive of Tesco, said: “Customers are at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud that we have achieved our highest-ever customer satisfaction score, reflecting our continued focus on value, quality and service.

“Our strong performance enables us to keep investing in the customer offer and the capabilities that will drive future growth. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our colleagues and suppliers, whose drive and commitment make a real difference for customers every day.”

Therefore, Tesco has increased its full-year adjusted operating profit guidance to between £3.15bn and £3.3bn, compared with its previous range of £3bn to £3.3bn.

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Murphy added: “Against an uncertain external backdrop, we have continued to invest in giving customers the very best value for money. Alongside maintaining our strong value proposition, we have continued to innovate across all our ranges.”

Its rapid delivery service Whoosh recorded sales growth of 37 per cent during the half and is on track to generate more than £500m in sales over the full year. In July, the supermarket giant announced it would launch on Uber Eats before expanding to the Deliveroo platform later this year. 

The grocer also increased its planned share buyback for the year from £750m to £950m, citing the strength of its balance sheet.

The retailer is also increasingly deploying AI across its operations, including a meal-planning assistant launched to customers in September, alongside tools designed to improve stock replenishment and energy efficiency in stores.

Earlier this week, Tesco became the first UK supermarket to guarantee paid ‘safe leave’ for employees experiencing domestic abuse.