Trading Statement

Tesco PLC
14 January 2003

14 January 2003




                                   TESCO PLC
                     CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR TRADING STATEMENT
                           GROUP SALES GROW BY 11.1%



STRONG GROUP SALES GROWTH

Group sales for the seven weeks ending 4th January 2003 increased by 11.1%. This
growth was driven by all four parts of our strategy: a continued strong core UK
performance, increasing non-food sales, strong performance across our
international business and the success of retailing services.


EXCELLENT UK GROWTH

Total UK sales for the seven weeks ending 4th January were up 8.0%, including
like for like of 4.8%. We have seen strong volumes of 5.0%, reflecting our
determination to deliver the best value for customers.


STRONG INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE

International sales were up 24.9% including sales from 13 HIT stores over the
Christmas and New Year period, in line with our plans. We now have 152
international hypermarkets, giving us over 18 million sq. ft. of sales space
overseas.


                                    - ends -


Enquiries:-

Steve Butler - Tesco Investor Relations                     Tel:- 01992 644 800

Tesco Press Office                                          Tel:- 01992 644 645

Angus Maitland - Maitland Consultancy                       Tel:- 0207 379 5151





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