LONDON (AP) – Tesco Plc, the world's third largest retailer, yesterday said sales increased by 7.5 percent in the six weeks ending January 9, a result the company called its best for three years.

UK sales were up 8.3 percent compared to a year earlier, or eight percent higher excluding petrol.

The British grocer said sales in Asia were up 7.8 percent at constant exchange rates, and sales from its Fresh & Easy shops in the United States were up 35 percent at constant exchange rates.

Tesco said Fresh & Easy sales were higher comparing results from stores which were open a year ago, but gave no figures.