For the sixth consecutive period this year, Dunnes has retained its position as Ireland’s number one grocery retailer and holds a 22.3% share of the market.
According to the latest Kantar’s latest take home grocery figures for Ireland show sales fell by 6.5% in the 12 weeks.
Sales among all the retailers are still in decline compared to lockdown last year, when people were far more reliant on supermarkets to stock up their cupboards.
That said, Dunnes seems to be recovering well from the challenging COVID-19 period.
The retailer’s current market share is now 1.2 percentage points higher than May 2021, boosted by 98,000 new shoppers in the latest 12 week period.”
Tesco is now slightly ahead of SuperValu in the race for second place, each accounting for 21.9% and 21.7% of the market. Tesco benefited from shoppers visiting the store more often, bucking the general market trend and allowing it to move just ahead of SuperValu.
Lidl holds a 13.1% market share this period.
Aldi follows 0.9 percentage points behind, holding a 12.2% market share.
Irish shoppers are adjusting to increased prices as grocery inflation hits 5.5%, marking the first time it has risen above 5% since August 2013.
Price Hikes
David Berry, managing director for Kantar Worldpanel Ireland, commented, “Food and drink prices are continuing to climb, and the impact of this on grocery budgets is now unavoidable for many people.
"Our research shows the rising cost of living is a key concern for 81% of Irish consumers.
"A staggering 62% expect that they will have to cut back on the amount of food they buy in response to current prices. We’ll be seeing the effects of inflation for months to come.”
Behaviour Shift
Shoppers are shifting their behaviour to manage the cost of buying food, including by turning to cheaper alternatives.
Berry explained, “People are now making four fewer trips to the supermarket on average per month than they were this time last year. Similarly, branded items – a firm favourite when we were treating ourselves more during the COVID-19 lockdowns – previously made up more than 50% of grocery sales in 2020 and 2021.
"We’re now seeing clear signs that people are turning to retailers’ own-label items instead, which are usually less expensive. As a result, brands’ share of grocery spend has dropped to 49% in the latest 12 week period, which is equivalent to a €29 million fall.”
Warm Weather
Despite the tough circumstances, people have been enjoying the recent warmer weather and are looking ahead to the summer months.
Berry noted, "Shoppers have been enjoying barbecue essentials as the June bank holiday edges closer. Sales of BBQ meats, like burgers and sausages, and prepared salads have increased by 2% and 8% respectively in the latest 12 week period. Soft drinks have also seen a 5% boost this period, equating to an extra €5 million through the tills.
"It’s likely that sales of these items will keep rising as we make the shift to more summery foods and leave the soups and stews behind, but prices are going up too. A trip to the supermarket to buy BBQ meat, salad, and soft drinks will now cost you €1 more on average in total than it would have last year.”
© 2022 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more Retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
