FDBusiness.com

The latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, for the 12 weeks ending 3 December 2017, reveal that Dunnes Stores remains Ireland’s largest supermarket in the run up to the festive period.

David Berry, director at Kantar Worldpanel, comments: “Dunnes Stores has always performed strongly in the countdown to Christmas and this year is no exception. Holding steady year-on-year with a 22.5% share of the market, the retailer has seen strong sales growth of 2.4% to retain the title of Ireland’s largest supermarket. Dunnes Stores’ ‘Shop and Save’ initiative has proved the key to the retailers’ success. Shoppers now spend €2.30 more per shop than last year as customers are encouraged to up the value of their baskets to get extra money off.”

Tesco clinched second position while, despite experiencing its strongest sales growth since June, SuperValu sit in third place.

David Berry continues: “Tesco has continued its strong run of form as we approach the peak Christmas shopping season, with consumers visiting the store more frequently and buying more items every time they shop. Sales have grown by 4.7% compared with last year and this is now the fourth month in a row that Tesco has experienced sales growth of more than 4%.  This strong growth has translated into increased market share – up 0.5 percentage points on this time last year, the supermarket now holds a 22.3% share of the market. Despite Tesco’s success there are only 0.3 percentage points separating the top three supermarkets – with the festive shopping period well and truly underway any of these retailers could secure the top spot at Christmas.”

Meanwhile, Aldi and Lidl are tied for fourth position, capturing 11.2% of market share each. Lidl enjoyed the second fastest growth rate in the market, behind Tesco, with sales growth of 3.3%.

With Christmas just around the corner, shoppers are stocking up on festive treats.  Christmas pudding and mince pie sales are soaring – up 12.6% and 2.5% respectively on this time last year. Wine sales are also up by 8%, giving the market an extra holiday boost worth €9 million.