Tesco said shoppers have been buying more items this year and picking up its premium range, as it reported an increase in sales and profits. The UK’s largest supermarket said sales grew by 4 per cent to £31.5bn over the 26 weeks to August 24, compared with the same period last year. It also revealed a nearly 15 per cent increase in the volume of sales of its “Tesco Finest” premium range, compared with the same period last year.