Data from Kantar shows the grocery market in Northern Ireland grew by 5.9% over the 52 weeks to 13 June. However, in the most recent 12 weeks, sales declined by 7.4% as the market continued to annualise against the exceptionally high spending in supermarkets at the height of the first national lockdown.
With lockdown easing and the vaccine rollout continuing in Northern Ireland, Kantar highlighted that people appeared to be feeling more comfortable about venturing out to do smaller shops more often. Frequency of trips was up 7.3% in the latest 12 weeks, and basket sizes as a result have reduced by 12.6%.
Meanwhile, with pubs and restaurants open again, shoppers spent £24.8m less on alcohol in the supermarkets in the latest 12 weeks.
Looking at individual retailer performances over the year, Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar, commented: “Tesco remained Northern Ireland’s largest grocer with 35.5% of the market and increased its sales by 6.7%. While in store, Tesco benefited from shoppers picking up 12.4% more items.
“The second biggest retailer Sainsbury’s grew by 4.0%, as shoppers returning to store more often contributed an additional £79.8m to its tills. Asda’s sales rose by 6.1%, helping it to hold 16.1% of the grocery market.
“Lidl was the fastest-growing retailer in Northern Ireland, increasing sales by an impressive 15%. This growth came from consumers buying more per trip and going to stores more often.”
