Sales soar for Northern Irish grocery market

Sales soar for Northern Irish grocery market

The latest figures from Kantar show that grocery sales in Northern Ireland reached unprecedented highs in 2020 as Lidl crowned best performing retailer

In the 52 weeks to June 14, 2020 the Northern Ireland grocery market experienced growth of 5.7 per cent.

Kantar reports that Lidl remained the best performing retailer – increasing its sales by 10 per cent year-on-year.

“Lidl customers have been doing larger shops, picking up extra items each visit to store, and choosing more premium and branded items when they are there,” said Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar.

Tesco – Northern Ireland’s largest retailer – grew its sales by 6.3 per cent driven by larger basket size as well as an average price increase of 1.6 per cent.

Latest Kantar figures

Sales also increased at Sainsbury’s and Asda as shoppers increased their trolley spend during lockdown.

Sainsbury’s customers added an extra £1.75 per trolley but Asda shoppers increased their spend by an average 12.1 per cent equalling £3.25 per shop.

In terms of category spend, sales of household cleaning products continued to rise as shoppers remain cautious of the virus.

“Consumers are still being conscious of health and hygiene.  Sales of household cleaners have risen by 14.9 per cent and liquid soap by 57.6 per cent in the 52 weeks to 14 June.  The recent good weather and the easing of restrictions that allowed people to meet others outside of their household, has seen them spend an extra £40.5 million on alcohol, £7.9 million on soft drinks and £3.4 million on savoury snacks,” continued Emer.