Aldi and Lidl are continuing their growth with a record combined market share of 16.5% according to the latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel.

The figures for the weeks ending 12 october show SuperValu is the only other supermarket to grow other than the discount retailers.

Aldi and Lidl both continue to enjoy strong growth, with shares in the market growing by 14.3% and 14.9% respectively over the past year. Aldi has successfully attracted more shoppers through its doors and is increasing its share of baskets between €50 and €100, as consumers pick up a wider range of product lines and do their entire weekly shop with the retailer. Meanwhile, Lidl has seen shoppers increase their average spend by €18 in the 12 weeks to 12 October.

Georgieann Harrington, Consumer Insight Director at Kantar Worldpanel explained that SuperValu's growth has been moderate but consistent. "It continues to perform well through ‘top up’ shops and smaller convenience trips, and the acquisition of Superquinn has given it an improved balance of store locations across the country, with 223 outlets to choose from and a vastly increased presence in Dublin.”

Reduced sales

After posting five months of consecutive growth, Dunnes Stores has seen a slight reduction in sales of 0.4%. Average spend has fallen by almost €7. However, Dunnes’ current market share of 22.7% is its highest since February of this year, and it has made moderate gains with shopper numbers, attracting an extra 13,000 shoppers into its stores. Meanwhile its share in the ‘big shop’ (baskets over €100) is the highest among all retailers, at 37.2%.

Tesco Ireland has seen less share loss than in recent months, posting a sales decline of 4.6%. However, customers are continuing to increase the number of trips they make to Tesco stores, meaning that if the retailer can persuade shoppers to add to their in-store spend, it could be turning a corner in terms of performance, according to Kantar Worldpanel.

Tesco has the largest market share with 25.1%, closely followed by SuperValu at 24.6%. Dunnes Stores has 22.7%, Aldi 8.4% and Lidl 8.2%. Other outlets make up the remaining 11.1% of the market.