Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe

blamed a “soggy summer” for a sales slowdown. Takings in stores open at least a year grew 0.6% between July and late September, from a 2.3% rise the previous quarter.

Coupe said: “It was a fairly soggy summer but we are pleased with the overall half year.”

Profits fell 9% to £251million over the six months, but that was better than forecasts. Coupe insisted the group was seeing “clear results” from its three-year plan.