Lidl has posted a spike in revenues during December as sales of its premium ranges, alcohol and Christmas staples drove performance.

The discounter said total sales jumped 16% year-on-year, although it did not disclose a like-for-like figure.

Lidl said it enjoyed a “record” trading day on December 22, while the week beginning December 18 was its “strongest ever” week in the UK, as the expansion in its store estate from 650 to 693 year-on-year helped it woo more shoppers.

The grocer, which was yesterday anointed the fastest-growing food retailer over the crucial Christmas period by Kantar, said it sold 17 million mince pies and more than 800,000 litres of Champagne and Prosecco in December.

Premium boost

Its premium Deluxe 24-month matured Christmas pudding contributed to a 60% increase in luxury Christmas pudding sales, while sales of premium alcohol lines including pink gin liqueurs also proved popular with shoppers.

Lidl boss Christian Härtnagel said: “Customers came into our stores to buy more of their Christmas items, knowing they could find high-quality products at market-leading prices.

“We look forward to bringing the Lidl offering to more communities across the UK, as we continue our rapid expansion plan this year.”