The record growth in grocery sales over the past six months appears to be slowing, according to new data from research firm Kantar (see graph of the week below). Kantar research shows grocery sales in Irish supermarkets and convenience stores stood at €930m in the four weeks up to 9 August.

While this is a significantly higher level of spending on groceries compared to last year, Kantar said it is the lowest amount of grocery spending since February. The research firm said Irish shoppers are now spending less on groceries as the Government eases COVID-19 restrictions.

According to Kantar’s data, grocery sales in Irish supermarkets and shops grew by 18% in the 12-week period up to 9 August. While this is still a very strong rate of sales growth, Kantar said it is noticeably lower than April, May and June, when grocery sales were up as much as 25%.

“With restrictions on movement and eating out lifting, grocery spend is climbing down from the record-breaking heights we saw in previous months,” said Kantar’s Emer Healy.