UK retailer Sainsbury’s has announced its financial performance for the year ending 28th February 2026, revealing a sales increase of 4.9% compared to the previous year.
The company reported total sales of £25.6 billion, with grocery sales rising by 5.2%. Sainsbury’s indicated that it had seen “consistently strong” growth in volume within the grocery sector and had gained market share throughout the year.
After tax, statutory profit stood at £393 million, representing a substantial increase of 55.3%. In contrast, the underlying profit in retail declined by 1.1%, totaling £1,025 million. Sainsbury’s attributed this decrease to “significant” inflation in operating costs and necessary investments aimed at providing value in a highly competitive market.
Simon Roberts, CEO of J Sainsbury plc, commented, “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.”
He added, “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%.”
Roberts emphasized, “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.”
He also stated, “Long term partnerships with thousands of farmers and suppliers are key to delivering good food at great value.”
Roberts continued, “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.”
He outlined Sainsbury’s strategy: “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.”
Roberts concluded, “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.”
He expressed gratitude, stating, “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.”
