ASDA's sales growth without fuel was 6 per cent for the full year (2009); and 4.6 per cent for the fourth quarter.

Andy Bond, Chief Executive, commented “2009 in particular was a great year for ASDA.

“We made tremendous progress achieving our highest ever market share and we grew our profit ahead of sales.

“According to TNS, ASDA's market share increased by 30bps to 17.1% in 52 wks to 27th Dec 09.

“Our figures compare very well to the reported numbers for each of our main competitors.

“Based on what I've read in recent weeks, that's probably slightly ahead of your expectations.

“This growth was driven primarily by an increase in customer numbers but also higher average spend, despite the continuing backdrop of no inflation in the market.

As a result we beat our sales and profit targets for the year and the fourth quarter.”