FDBusiness.com

Nearly a third (31%) of UK shoppers say they will be using discount supermarkets, such as Aldi and Lidl, more this year, according to the latest IGD ShopperVista research. This is up from 24% a year ago and is the highest level since the monthly tracking survey began in 2010.

People from higher socio-economic groups with children are most likely to use discounters more:

* 39% of ABC1 shoppers with children said they will use discount supermarkets in the year ahead v. 30% of C2DEs with children

And of all age groups, young shoppers are the most likely to use grocery discounters in the year ahead:

* 39% of 18 to 24 year-olds v. 26% of those aged 55+.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD, says: “Events like the Jubilee weekend, Euro 2012 and the Olympics, are boosting food and grocery sales, while lower inflation is helping British shoppers. The underlying trend, however, is still one of shoppers putting in more effort into their food shopping while contending with considerable pressures on their household budgets.”

She adds: “Even better-off shoppers, especially those with children, are looking to discount stores to save money as they feel the squeeze. While they remain a small part of the overall grocery market – representing just 4.5% – discounters have been broadening their appeal to help even higher-income shoppers to tighten their belts.”