Waitrose has reported like-for-like sales up 3.4% in the quarter to the end of April, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing supermarket in the UK.

For the 13 weeks to the end of April, total sales, excluding petrol, were up 11.6%. The figures contrast with Morrisons’ like-for-like sales last week, which were up just 0.8% in the past three months.

Waitrose has opened five core estate shops, one convenience store and five franchise shops at Welcome Break sites over the quarter. For the remainder of the year it is planning to open 10 further convenience stores, six core estate shops and one further Welcome Break store.

In the reporting period it also started its trial with health and beauty giant Boots and extended its trial with Shell to six branches. The grocer said that its entry-price range, Essential Waitrose, continued to drive growth, accounting for around 16% of total sales.

It will launch its expanded premium range, Duchy from Waitrose, in September.

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