Morrisons' worries continue as it lags behind Tesco and Sainsbury's

The trading woes of Morrisons have continued after Christmas, with its sales significantly trailing behind rivals Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's.

The Bradford-based grocer Morrisons suffered a 3.7 per cent fall in food and drink sales over the four weeks to 20 January, according to Kantar Worldpanel, which suggests it has lost market share to a revitalised Tesco. The UK's biggest supermarket, Tesco, grew sales by 4.1 per cent over the period, which was ahead of Sainsbury's 3.5 per cent and Asda's 1 per cent growth.

But all the big four pale in comparison with the German discounter Aldi, which delivered a 34.3 per cent leap in food and drink sales, as cash-strapped shoppers continue to snap up its expanded fresh food offer.

While Aldi's share of the grocery market remains small at 3.1 per cent, it is growing rapidly.