Data from Kantar shows the grocery market in Northern Ireland grew by 7.9% in the 52 weeks to 16 May 2021. However, a shorter-term view paints a slightly different picture, with sales in the latest 12 weeks sales declining by 6.9% due to tough comparatives with the same period last year when the market saw record-breaking spending during the first lockdown.
Looking at individual retailer performances, Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar, commented: “Over the 52-week period, Tesco remained Northern Ireland’s biggest grocer. It held 35.5% of the market, grew by 8.6% and boosted its sales by an extra £102.6m. The average basket size at Tesco jumped by 18.7%, equivalent to each person picking up nearly three extra items – the highest growth rate among all the retailers.
“Sainsbury’s maintained its position as the second-largest retailer, growing 6.7% and increasing its takings by £39m as shoppers checked out with bigger baskets and made more frequent trips. Asda’s sales rose by 7.3% this period.
“Lidl’s growth reached an impressive 16.5% as it remained the fastest-growing retailer. This was largely driven by consumers buying more per trip, helping it to add £34.5m to its sales.”
NAM Implications:
- ‘Lidl’s growth reached an impressive 16.5% as it remained the fastest-growing retailer’…
- …is unlikely to go down well at Aldi HQ!
- Watch for an escalation of competitiveness in the South…
- …and possibly some rethinking of its NI absence by Aldi.
- Sainsbury’s in Newry and Asda Enniskillen were two of the top stores in their chains pre Lockdown/Brexit…
- …possibly accounting for their not growing as fast as Tesco in past two years?
