Trading Statement

Tesco PLC
15 January 2002

15 January 2002



                                  TESCO PLC

                    CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR TRADING STATEMENT

                          GROUP SALES GROW BY 11.0%



STRONG GROUP SALES GROWTH


Group sales for the seven weeks ending 5th January 2002 increased by 11.0%.
This growth was driven by all four parts of our strategy: a continued strong
core UK performance, increasing non-food sales, strong performance across our
international business and the success of retailing services. We remain on
track to achieve our year end targets.




UK GROWTH CONTINUES


Total UK sales (ex petrol) for the seven weeks ending 5th January were up
9.0%, including like for like of 6.2%. We have seen strong volumes of 6.7%,
reflecting our determination to deliver the best value for customers.
Deflation has increased in the core business as we continue to cut prices.


Total UK sales (inc. petrol) are up 7.2% including 4.6% like for like, driven
by strong volumes of 6.3%, following volume growth last year of 7.3%. We have
seen record levels of petrol deflation.




STRONG INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE


International sales were up 31.2% over the Christmas and New Year period, in
line with our plans. We now have 102 international hypermarkets, giving us
over 10 million sq. ft. of sales space. We are on target to have more space
overseas than in the UK by the end of 2003.



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Enquiries:-


Steve Butler - Tesco Investor Relations               Tel:- 01992 644 800


Angus Maitland - Maitland Consultancy                 Tel:- 020 7379 5151


Tesco Press Office                                    Tel:- 01992 646 869