Only 0.6 per cent market share separates them
There were further signs of recovery from Sainsbury's in the latest TNS figures, which put the struggling grocery chain's market share at 15.9 per cent. This is against a share of 15.5 per cent a year ago - a representation of real turnover growth of 5 per cent, according to the research house.

TNS Superpanel communications director Edward Garner said: 'This strong performance has been achieved in the face of relentless pressure from Tesco, which continues its recent run of double-digit turnover growth to post a share of 29.8 per cent, up from 27.5 per cent a year ago.'

Meanwhile, Asda suffered a further loss in market share, from 16.6 per cent to 16.5 per cent.

Morrisons also lost market share after gains by its Morrisons fascia were offset by losses at Safeway. Combined market share for the retailer is 12.2 per cent, down from 14.4 per cent a year ago.

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