According to TNS Worldpanel consumers enjoyed a premium festive period which could indicate that "recessionary buying behaviour is all but over".
Both Waitrose and Sainsbury's recorded higher-than-expected sales while at the other end of the grocery spectrum, deep discounters Aldi and Lidl have seen market share growth continue to stall.
Aldi's market share over the 12 weeks ending 27 December 2009 remained constant with Lidl losing share for the first time since March 2004.
Edward Garner, communications Director at TNS Worldpanel said: "Christmas is traditionally a time when shoppers prioritise the quality of food over value - but the recession put a stop to this in 2008.
"We are now seeing signs of a return to more traditional Christmas purchasing habits with a growth in Premium ranges, particularly Tesco Finest, over the festive period.'
TNS research in August began to show that customers attracted to deep discounters at the start of the economic recession were failing to be converted into loyal shoppers.
In the 12 weeks ending 9 August discounters' growth has slowed to 8.1%, Compared with Aldi witnessing a 26% increase at the end of 2008.
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