The retailer also said that its UK sales had slowed towards the end of the first-half, as the tough trading climate took its toll on consumer spending.

However, shares in Majestic rose 4½p to 284½p as it reported a 5.5 per cent increase in like-for-like sales.

Like-for-like sales at its handful of stores in northern France were down 4.3 per cent, compared with an increase of 2.8 per cent over the same period last year.

Pre-tax profits in the six months to September 26 were up 18 per cent to £5.9 million. Turnover was £80.8 million, against £74.6 million last time, boosted by demand for wines from Spain, California, Chile and Argentina.

Overall consumer spending was up by an average of 8p per bottle to £5.54 and up £5 to £115 per transaction. The interim dividend rose to 1.9p from 1.5p last time.

Times Recommends

• Minister in talks with Saudis to protect creditors
• Premier Inn hits back in £29-a-room row
• Bankers hit back at 'populist' bonus supertax