Waitrose second-half sales excluding petrol grew 6.8% as the grocer’s myWaitrose loyalty scheme, online and “outstanding” customer service propelled growth.

Waitrose retail director Rob Collins called it a “fantastic” year. Last week, sales excluding petrol were up 5.6% to £116.95m as its online arm delivered “terrific growth”, up 113%. The upmarket grocer processed a record number of orders.

Waitrose said Chinese New Year had driven sales of woks, with demand up 14%. Rice sales rose by 18% and spring rolls were up by 17%.

Collins said: “Towards the end of January we sometimes see healthy trends begin to tail off, but these are still going strong. Healthy snacks are up by 45% and bottled water is up by a fifth as customers keep hydrated with mineral water. Healthier, lighter meals, such as fish, are performing very strongly. Demand for fillets is up by a third and sea bass sales rocketed by 200%.”

The weather is more mild than this time last year, helping boost sales of cherries.

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