Morrisons has delivered a thirteenth consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales growth, despite what CEO Rami Baitiéh described as a “highly competitive” market in a Q1 results update today.
The supermarket revealed like-for-like sales across the group grew 2.8%, during the 13 weeks to 25 January, including the key Christmas period. Total sales were up 2.6% top £4.1bn.
Despite the progress, it remains relatively flat compared to first quarter results last year, in which Christmas sales were torpedoed by a cyber attack to supply forecasting software provider, which left Morrisons supply chain in chaos.
A swathe of price cuts late last year had delivered increased volumes on key lines and had helped Morrisons improve its price position during the quarter.
It also saw “record redemption” through its More Card scheme, following improvements to its personalised offers.
“Against a highly competitive backdrop, with grocery market growth lagging previous expectations, we achieved our targets in Q1, delivering our thirteenth quarter of like-for-like sales growth,” Baitiéh said.
“We know it’s tough for customers right now and we’re doing everything we can to offer them better value and give them more reasons to shop at Morrisons.
“That means continuing to invest in price, promotions and loyalty, concentrating on driving value where it matters most for our customers.”
Morrisons had delivered “pleasing performances” at Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, while Christmas 2025 had been “much improved”, which had created momentum across the business Baitiéh said.
Morrisons watching Iran crisis ’closely’
Baitiéh, now in his third year with the business, entered 2026 promising the supermarket would do it could protect customers from the impacts of continued inflation and increased employment costs across the board. He acknowledged that those pressures would continue into Q2, and that the market remained “highly competitive”.
Morrisons had made progress on his goal of shaving £1bn in costs from the business, delivering a further £49m in savings during the quarter. Taking the total to £894m.
The results come amid fresh concerns that the fallout of the Iran war could increase pressure on Morrisons’ already substantial interest payments from its £3.8bn debt pile. It has led to speculation over the future of its Myton Food Group manufacturing arm, following reports that Baitiéh was in discussions with PE firms over a potential sale. The Grocer understands that any conversations remain purely speculative at this stage.
“We are watching current international events closely, alert to the impacts on consumer confidence and supply chains, and we will continue to do what we can to mitigate effects on our customers,” Baitiéh said in the results update.
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