Morrisons’ wholesale business experienced a 16% rise in annual growth during the first three months of its latest trading period ending 5 May.

The multiple said its wholesale business, which includes supplying McColl’s and recently revived Safeway franchises, saw 2.1% yearly growth in the period, compared with 1.8% in 2018.

Morrisons added that recently converted Morrisons Daily and Safeway Daily franchises “have started well, with strong sales increases”.

However, the supermarket chain’s retail growth in the same period declined by 88%.

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Growth in the quarter was 0.2% compared to 1.8% in the previous year. Total sales across the group rose by 2.7%, up from 1.9% during the same quarter in 2018.

Morrisons chief executive David Potts said: “We are improving the shopping trip and becoming more competitive for customers, and are pleased with another quarter of positive like-for-like sales.

“We will continue this important work, including on those favourite items we know our customers want to buy.”

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