Total sales advanced 1.3% to £13.4 billion (US$18.7 billion) during Tesco’s first quarter, or 13 weeks to late May, as Covid-19 restrictions eased.

However, Britain’s biggest retailer had experienced soaring sales in the same part of 2020, as people switched to online grocery deliveries during the early stages of the pandemic.

Tesco sales during the current first quarter were up 8.1% compared with two years ago, before the health crisis struck.

And online sales were up 81.6% on pre-pandemic levels, as consumers placed 1.3 million orders per week.

Tesco’s performance was particularly strong in March, but eased off in April and May as the economy reopened.

“We delivered a strong performance in the first quarter, even as we lapped the high demand of last year due to the pandemic,” said Chief Executive Ken Murphy.

“While the market outlook remains uncertain, I’m pleased with the strong start we’ve made to the year.”