Sainsbury's , Britain's second biggest supermarket group, on Friday reported a 2.8% rise in underlying sales for the key Christmas quarter, with robust grocery sales offset by a weaker performance in general merchandise.

Sainsbury’s told shareholders it is on track to increase its profits for the year, in line with previous targets.

The UK's second-largest grocery chain, trailing only Tesco, reported robust sales over the festive period, with party food and bottles of fizz in high demand

The British grocer reported sales volume growth for the key Christmas period and expects to deliver retail operating profit for its fiscal year in line with market consensus.

Sainsbury's, Britain's second biggest supermarket group, on Friday reported a 2.8% rise in underlying sales for the key Christmas quarter, with solid grocery sales offset by a weaker performance in general merchandise.