Tesco is planning to generate more than half of its annual sales from its international operations in the next 10 years.

This would more than double the 27 per cent of total sales it makes from stores overseas.

In an interview with The Times, Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said its fledgling US operation was part of a “pretty ambitious” programme of global growth. Tesco has opened 13 Fresh & Easy stores on the west coast of the US.

Leahy said Tesco was still considering a move into India and he refused to rule out entry into Russia.

Leahy said that a “crossover”, where international sales would overtake those in the UK, will happen “within the decade”. He said: “The US is an important part, but it’s by no means the majority. The crossover is not right at the back end of the decade, but neither is it in five years’ time.”


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