Grocery sales down 7.4% in last quarter
The latest Kantar figures to 13th June 2021 show an increase of 5.9% in the last year – but a decline of 7.4% in last 12 weeks to 13th June 2021.
Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar, comments: “The Northern Irish grocery market grew by 5.9% in the 52 weeks to 13 June 2021. In the shorter term, sales declined by 7.4% in the most recent 12 weeks as the market continues to annualise against the exceptionally high grocery spending at the height of the first national lockdown.
“With lockdown easing and vaccine rollout continuing in Northern Ireland, there are signs that people are feeling more comfortable venturing out to do smaller shops more often. Frequency of trips is up 7.3% in the latest 12 weeks, and basket sizes as a result have reduced by 12.6%.
“With pubs and restaurants open once again, shoppers jumped at the chance of a drink they didn’t have to pour themselves, spending £24.8 million less on alcohol in the supermarkets in the latest 12 weeks.
“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 £79.8 million 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.”
