Sainsbury’s recorded the strongest growth among the big four retailers for the 12 weeks ending April 19, according to TNS, with a growth rate of 8.1 per cent, well ahead of the market.
Sainsbury’s has lifted its share from 16.1 per cent a year ago to 16.3 per cent as result of promotions in the run-up to Easter, together with featuring its Basics range.
The latest TNS Worldpanel figures show the grocery sector recorded a year-on-year growth rate of 6.2 per cent for the 12 weeks ending April 19.
Both Asda and Morrisons have grown ahead of the market with significant share increases wile Tesco’s fell, but its growth of 4.6 per cent still translates into market-leading cash growth because of its sheer size.
Aldi and Lidl continue to deliver impressive growth of 13.6 per cent and 12.3 per cent respectively but the expansion of the sector has slowed from the highs of last year - together with Netto. The discount sector holds six per cent of the grocery market, up 0.3 per cent on last year.
Ed Garner, director of TNS Worldpanel, said: “As before this is below our measure of grocery price inflation as shoppers seek to control their expenditure, either by shopping around, or, more significantly, by switching to lower-priced products.
“This is being actively encouraged by some retailers with 'Switch and Save' type promotions.
“It is worth noting that Waitrose returned growth, albeit behind the market - possibly a sign that shoppers’ panic response to the recession is being replaced by a sense of proportion, helped by promotions and the introduction of the ‘Essentials’ range.”
Grocery price inflation remains high at nine per cent compared with 9.3 per cent seen last month. Not only is sterling’s weakness causing the importation of grocery price inflation, but it has become more advantageous for producers to export, thereby limiting the domestic supply.
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