SuperValu continues to lead the Irish grocery retail sector, with the retailer posting a slight increase in market share to 24.9% - up ten basis points year-on-year, according to the latest figures published by Kantar Worldpanel Ireland.
This figure, which is for the 12-week period ending 27 March 2016, is the result of an increase in the average number of shopping trips to SuperValu, from 20 in 2015 to 22 this year. The retailer's sales increased by 5%, which is just ahead of the market average.
Elsewhere, Tesco (23.9% share) managed to stave off competition from Dunnes Stores (23.5%).
David Berry, director at Kantar Worldpanel, explains; "Tesco posted sales growth for the fourth consecutive month as its performance continues to improve. Volume growth remains stronger than value - an increase of 2.7% compared with 1.4%. Growth for Dunnes Stores continues to be driven by larger shopping trips, with spend per trolley increasing an impressive €3 year on year."
Lidl continues to show the rest of the pack how it's done as the discounter grew its sales by 9.5% year on year, while Aldi also performed well, with a sales increase of 1.5% versus last year. The discounters combined account for 17% of the market.
In broader terms, supermarket sales have grown by 4.6% when compared with the same period last year - up from a growth of 3.6% last month. "An early Easter saw shoppers spend an extra €40 million on groceries as they prepared to celebrate with family and friends," explains Berry.
"Sales of confectionery were up 32% as the nation stocked up on sweet treats, with 69% buying at least one chocolate egg during the period," he concluded.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
