Grocery sales grow at their fastest rate for over a year

Grocery sales grew by 2 per cent in the 12 weeks to June 22nd, the fastest rate since March 2013, according to the latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel.

The figures, which come amid falling inflation, are in stark contrast to sales declines of 4.5 per cent experienced just four years ago.

Grocery inflation stands at 2.3 per cent for the 12 week period, down slightly from 2.6 per cent last quarter.

Kantar business unit director Mark Thomson said SuperValu was the "stand out performer", attracting 87,000 new shoppers this quarter.

“Almost three quarters of Irish households shopped in SuperValu over the latest quarter,” he said.

Although Aldi and Lidl are continuing to benefit from increasing numbers of sales, both retailers are experiencing growth mainly as a result of their existing customers spending more. The average Aldi shopper in Ireland spent €161 over the latest period; up €15.60 compared with this time last year.

The latest figures show Tesco lost 3.4 per cent of its market share in the 12 week period. SuperValu meanwhile increased its market share by 1.3 per cent, while Dunnes gained 0.5 per cent.