The Tesco story
Jack Cohen began selling groceries from a market stall in London's East End in 1919. The Tesco name first appeared in 1924, combining the initials of tea supplier T.E. Stockwell with the first letters of Cohen's surname. Tesco opened its first store in 1931 and grew into the largest retailer in the United Kingdom.
What makes Tesco powerful
Tesco's power rests on scale, value and data. Clubcard, launched in 1995, gives it deep insight into what customers buy and lets it offer member prices. Its own-label ranges, from Finest to value lines, serve every budget. Tesco also leads in online grocery in the UK.
Tesco today
Tesco PLC is based in Welwyn Garden City and listed in London. Ken Murphy has led the company since 2020. Tesco operates in the UK, Ireland and Central Europe, and owns the wholesaler Booker. It has committed to reaching net zero in its own operations.
What comes next for Tesco
Tesco's task is to keep prices competitive against discounters while protecting margins and service. Its loyalty data and supply chain give it advantages that few rivals can match.
Why Tesco ranks #29
Tesco ranks #94 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 with a Power Score of 73.82.
Europe's ranking carries the same score, which places Tesco at #29 among brands of core European origin.
Pillar profile
Tesco was assessed on all five pillars and 50 parameters in the World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026. See its full global profile.
Versus its nearest rivals
8 Retail brands are in the Europe 100. Tesco is #2 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Tesco in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Tesco ranks #29 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 73.82 out of 100. It also ranks #94 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026.
When was Tesco founded and who founded it?
Tesco was founded in 1919. Founder(s): Jack Cohen.
Who leads Tesco today?
Ken Murphy, Chief Executive. The brand is owned by Tesco PLC.
Where is Tesco headquartered?
Tesco is based in Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom. Its country of origin is United Kingdom.
What is Tesco's revenue?
£66.6bn group sales ex VAT and fuel (FY to Feb 2026, 52 weeks), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Tesco?
Tesco launched Clubcard in 1995, one of the first supermarket loyalty schemes in the UK.
Key facts
| Brand | Tesco |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Tesco PLC |
| Headquarters | Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Founder(s) | Jack Cohen |
| Leadership | Ken Murphy, Chief Executive |
| Latest revenue | £66.6bn group sales ex VAT and fuel (FY to Feb 2026, 52 weeks) Source |
| Sector | Retail |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Signature fact | Tesco launched Clubcard in 1995, one of the first supermarket loyalty schemes in the UK. |
| Official website | tesco.com |
Tesco is ranked #29 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 73.82).