TESCO - will is expected to reveal a marked turnaround in its trading performance tomorrow - remains Northern Ireland's favourite supermarket according to the latest market share figures.
Analysts Kantar Worldpanel found that overall consumer spending on groceries increased by 0.1 per cent in the year to March 27.
And although there was a slight decline in spending at Tesco (down 1.6 per cent), it is by far the most popular food retailer in the north with a 34.4 per cent share of the market.
Sainsbury and Asda were second and third respectively on 17.7 per cent and 17.6 per cent.
German-owned discounter Lidl saw the biggest increase in spending (up 13 per cent) giving it a 5.2 per cent share of the sector.
South of the border, Kantar Worldpanel found an early Easter had boosted growth across the grocery market.
In contrast with the modest growth in Northern Ireland, the sector in the Republic grew 4.6 per cent in the 12 weeks to March 27.
SuperValu retained the top spot, cementing its lead with a slightly increased market share of 24.9 per cent - up 0.1 per cent year-on-year.
Kantar Worldpanel director David Berry said: “An early Easter saw shoppers spend an extra €40 million on groceries as they prepared to celebrate with family and friends.
"Fresh produce sales were up by 11 per cent compared with last year as shoppers picked up the trimmings for their Easter roasts, while crisps and snacks received a 12 per cent boost. Sales of confectionery were up 32 per cent as the nation stocked up on sweet treats, with 69 per cent buying at least one chocolate egg during the Easter period.
“Tesco posted sales growth for the fourth consecutive month as their performance continues to improve. Volume growth remains stronger than value - an increase of 2.7 per cent compared with 1.4 per cent - as keeping prices low continues too be a major focus for the retailer.
“Growth for Dunnes Stores continues to be driven by larger shopping trips, with spend per trolley increasing by an impressive €3 year on year.
"The success of the Shop and Save campaign continues, and has proved particularly effective with families, where Dunnes now captures 25.6 per cent of the market compared with 23.9 per cent this time last year.”
As in the north, Lidl saw the strongest sales increase in the Republic's grocery market, up 9.5 per cent.
Lidl is in the strong position of getting more consumers through its doors while also encouraging them to spend more on each visit and return more frequently. Aldi’s sales growth remains healthy, with an increase of 1.5 per cent on last year as shoppers spend more on each visit.
