Sir Peter Davis, CEO of UK supermarket group J Sainsbury, admitted the chain may lose its position as second-largest grocer to Wal-Mart subsidiary Asda.


Taylor Nelson Sofres data puts Asda’s share of the UK grocery market in the three months to 15 September only marginally behind Sainsbury’s 11.7% at 11%. Trading during the Christmas season tends to favour Asda, as it carries a higher proportion of non-food lines.


Davis is quoted by the Times as saying: “Of course we could be overtaken. But people have been saying that for years. It could happen, but there is no certainty that it will happen.”


Analysts are reported to believe that, while Sainsbury could be temporarily knocked off the number two spot over Christmas, Asda could move ahead permanently at some point during 2003.


Same-stores sales at Sainsbury outlets inched up 2.4% during the 16 weeks to 12 October, compared with a 2.7% rise during the previous quarter. The company is expecting to start reaping the benefits of its membership of the new Nectar loyalty card scheme during the coming quarter.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Davis quashed speculation that the group’s quarterly dividend would be cut.


Sainsbury has nearly twice as many stores as Asda, but they are on average two thirds the size of Asda’s 45,000 sq ft median store size. Sainsbury was once the UK’s leading grocer, but slipped behind current leader Tesco in 1995.