UK supermarket Sainsbury’s has posted its results for the 52 weeks ended 28th February 2026, reporting a 4.9% increase in sales on the year.
Sainsbury’s achieved sales of £25.6 billion, and its grocery sales were up 5.2%. It said it had experienced “consistently strong” volume growth in the grocery category, as well as market share gains through the year.
Statutory profit after tax was £393 million, up 55.3%, but retail underlying profit was down 1.1% to reach £1,025 million, which Sainsbury’s said reflected “significant” operating cost inflation and investment in value in a more competitive market.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of J Sainsbury plc, said: “More and more customers are choosing Sainsbury’s for more of their shopping, trusting us to deliver great value day in day out. The conflict in the Middle East means customers are even more focused on the cost of living and we are absolutely committed to making sure everyone gets the best possible value when they shop with us.
“By staying relentlessly focused on the things that matter most – value, quality, availability and service – we have outperformed the market for the sixth year in a row. Rather than pass through the full extent of cost inflation, we invested to sustain the strength of our competitive position while also refreshing stores, improving digital experiences and increasing colleague pay by 5%.
“We offer the biggest Aldi Price Match in the market, with great prices on everyday essentials and even more value through Nectar Prices and personalised Your Nectar Prices. Alongside our standout fresh food offer and the growing strength of Taste the Difference, we are well placed to be first choice for more customers.”
“Long term partnerships with thousands of farmers and suppliers are key to delivering good food at great value.”
Roberts continued: “Long term partnerships with thousands of farmers and suppliers are key to delivering good food at great value. We have committed to invest more than £5 billion in British and Irish farming over the coming years, making our supply base more resilient at a time of increased challenges.
“Our balanced choices reflect a consistent long-term approach to creating value for shareholders: strengthening our relationships with customers, colleagues and suppliers and building a stronger Sainsbury’s for the future.
“We will do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues over the coming months, with absolute focus on keeping prices low. We have made a positive start to the new financial year, with continued strong Grocery momentum.
“I would like to thank all our colleagues, farmers and suppliers for their brilliant commitment and hard work – it’s their dedication that makes such a difference for our customers every time they shop with us.”
