Tesco has recorded 1% year-on-year sales growth in the 13 weeks to 30 May, totalling £16.8bn.

The supermarket retailer found that like-for-like sales increased by 1.8% in Q1, following an "exceptionally strong prior-year period", supported by record-breaking weather and competitor disruption.

Over the period, food sales rose by 2.6%, while its online sales increased by 8.9% following the expansion of its Whoosh offering to a further 34 large stores.

Tesco has also launched over 520 new and improved products, including over 220 Finest lines, which it said further highlights include new ready-to-drink cocktails and good-to-go breakfast options.

Chief executive at Tesco, Ken Murphy, said that he is pleased with the firm’s progress in Q1, with "customer satisfaction up strongly and continued sales growth building on the exceptional performance" delivered last year.

He added: “We extended Aldi Price Match to over 2,000 Express stores during the quarter, helping customers benefit from great value wherever and however they shop with us. We are also investing in innovation and quality, with over 520 new and improved products launched during the period, including our largest-ever Finest deli transformation and a further expansion of our Tesco High Protein range.

“Shopping at Tesco is ever more convenient and personalised, with the rollout of 'Book for Later' Whoosh delivery slots offering more options for same-day delivery, and Your Clubcard Prices providing nearly 100 million tailored offers for customers since launching in March. Tesco Media is growing strongly, with the World Cup providing exciting opportunities to help us connect brands and customers.”

Looking ahead, Tesco said the conflict in the Middle East has continued to create uncertainty for customers and it is committed to delivering the "very best combination of price, quality and service".

It added that having made a good start to the year, its continues to expect group adjusted operating profit of between £3bn and £3.3bn in the full year, while its free cash flow is within its medium-term guidance range of £1.5bn to £2bn.

Furthermore, it has bought back £341m of shares via its buyback programme as of 17 June, and the progamme is set to be completed by April.

Following its Q1 update, shares in Tesco dropped by almost 1%.

Chief investment commentator at Charles Stanely, Garry White, concluded: "Tesco’s first-quarter update pointed to solid, if unspectacular, trading, with the group continuing to demonstrate resilience in a highly competitive market. Its ability to maintain market share is notable given ongoing pressure from discounters and increasingly price-sensitive consumers, keeping the focus firmly on value and promotions.

"With margins under the spotlight, management’s confidence in maintaining full-year profit guidance should reassure investors that Tesco is managing the balance between competitiveness and profitability effectively despite a subdued trading backdrop."

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