Tesco reported a rise in sales for the first half of 2026, driven in part by an increase in online shopping, and raised its annual profit forecast, despite ongoing economic uncertainties affecting consumer confidence. The United Kingdom’s largest supermarket chain recorded total sales, excluding fuel and VAT, of £33.8 billion for the 26 weeks ending August 29.

On a like-for-like basis, sales grew by 1% compared with the same period last year, with the UK market seeing a 1.5% increase. The company highlighted a significant boost in online sales, which rose by 8.4% in the UK. Average grocery orders also increased, and the rapid delivery service, Whoosh, experienced a surge in sales by 37%.

Tesco’s adjusted operating performance reflected these gains, supporting the company’s decision to improve its profit outlook for the full year. However, it acknowledged that economic conditions continue to pose challenges for consumer spending, as wider uncertainties weigh on confidence across the retail sector. The company’s results demonstrate resilience amid these pressures, attributed in part to evolving shopping habits and investments in digital and delivery services.