The UK grocery sector has shown itself to be immune from the consumer spending slowdown, it was claimed this week.
The TNS Worldpanel figures for the 12 weeks ending April 20 shows that the sector continues to show promising growth, with a six per cent year-on-year growth.
The top two performers this period are Aldi and Iceland, with growths of 17 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.
Of the top four, Morrisons continues to outpace the market, with nine per cent growth lifting its share to 11.4 per cent from 11.1 per cent a year ago, while Asda inches ahead with seven per cent growth.
But there is no sign yet of a major shift to price-driven outlets, with high-end retailer Waitrose continuing to outperform the market.
TNS director or research Edward Garner said: “This is in increasingly stark contrast to non-grocery, which shows decline or is at best static. Some of this growth can be accounted for by the well-documented food price inflation, particularly in dairy products, fresh produce and bread, but it is nevertheless evidence that, despite pressure on the household budget, we still have to eat.
“Aldi has been one of the major beneficiaries of the Kwik Save demise, but this effect has largely run its course so the current performance is impressive.
“In the case of Iceland, it is interesting to note that it is enjoying strong growth in its fresh and chilled business, in addition to its core frozen food.
“Value-for-money combined with high-street convenience is proving attractive to its customers,” he added.
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