Sainsbury’s boss defends decision to sell customers’ Nectar card data

Sainsbury’s said 3 million new customers had joined the Nectar scheme since its discounts offer was introduced in April. Photograph: PR

The chief executive of Sainsbury’s has defended its decision to sell data on the shopping habits of his customers to TV and consumer goods manufacturers looking to target their advertising.

Simon Roberts has said the supermarket group protects personal data “incredibly carefully” and that its strategy had made adverts more “relevant” for shoppers.