Waitrose won the battle of ‘Posh Food Stores’ over its supermarket rivals Marks & Spencer. John Lewis, owner of Waitrose, reported a 15.6 per cent rise. The figures confirm Waitrose as Britain’s fastest-growing supermarket chain in terms of total food sales.

M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose admitted the chain was slow to spot the squeeze on shoppers. But with the launch of its low-cost Essentials range and introduction of free delivery on Waitrose Deliver online service, Waitrose ‘kick-started a tremendous trading period’.

Marks & Spencer’s incoming chief executive Marc Bolland who arrives from Morrisons in May on a £15 million first year package, has a challenge to face as Waitrose’s  performance  in  serving half a million more customers a week than a year ago is “remarkable”

Mark Price, is thought to earn about £600,000 plus a modest partner profit share. Waitrose future plans include the launch of ranges in Boots from April, more stores at Welcome Break services and an exclusive deal with Prince Charles's Duchy Original brand.