Grocery inflation is continuing to rise, helping retailers to their best sales performance since September 2013.
New figures from Kantar Worldpanel, for the 12 weeks to 21 May 2017, show inflation rising 2.9 per cent as overall sales grew 3.8 per cent year on year.
The big four have collectively grown by1.6 per cent overall, while Aldi and Lidl together grew at their fastest rate since January 2015 - 19.2 per cent - to achieve a record joint market share of 12 per cent. Some 62 per cent of people shopped in an Aldi or Lidl during the past 12 weeks, compared to 58 per cent a year ago, equating to an extra 1.1 million households.
Kantar consumer specialist Chris Hayward said: “Consumers are starting to feel the pinch as prices continue to rise, with the average household spending an additional £27 on groceries during the past 12 weeks. That may not seem like much, but if inflation continues at its current rate over the course of a year that would mean anextra £119 spent on groceries per household.”
Fresh produce sales rose 2.1 per cent as shoppers looked for healthier options after Easter excesses.
All 10 supermarkets saw sales increase, with own-label again proving a major driver on the back of six per cent growth. That contrasts with sales of branded goods, which only rose by 0.6 per cent.
Tesco increased sales by 1.8 per cent year on year and attracted over 250,000 shoppers during the past 12 weeks, while Asda also boosted shopper numbers by 360,000. Its Farm Stores line helped raise sales of its own-label value tier by over 20 per cent.
Morrisons had the best performance of the big-four supermarkets, continuing six consecutive periods of sales growth. Its premium own-label range The Best was cited as key to its success.
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