For the second year running, Tesco has taken the shoppers' votes for Britain's favourite supermarket.

In a repeat of last year's result Tesco pipped Asda and Sainsbury's. And although its nearest rivals have closed the gap slightly, they have a long way to go before they can offer a serious challenge to Sir Terry Leahy and his team.

Based on Nielsen's annual Homescan Attitudes to Retailers survey, Tesco's dominance showed in range, service and stock levels.

It was once again beaten on price by Asda, and dropped to third place in quality, which was won by Marks & Spencer, while Sainsbury's moved up to second.

"Tesco continues to outstrip market growth and is fast becoming a successful global player," says Eleni Nicholas, Nielsen's area vice president UK & Ireland.

"It describes itself as a 'campaigner for the consumer' and has led the drive for 'Green Consumption' as a mainstream way of life, with initiatives and products that make a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle achievable for us all.

"Placing the consumer at the heart of its thinking, coupled with the good value it continues to offer, have all counted towards it being voted number one."

Sainsbury's improved its ranking in quality and service and M&S hung on to fourth place ahead of Morrisons. Shoppers' preference for Tesco was nationwide. The 10,000-strong panel voted it number one in every region except Tyne Tees and Lancashire, which were captured by Asda.

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