THE overall Northern Irish grocery market grew by 5.9 per cent in the 52 weeks to June 13, according to new data from analysts Kantar.
But with people buying less booze in supermarkets, shorter term sales dipped by 7.4 per cent in the last 12 weeks as the market continues to annualise against the exceptionally high grocery spending at the height of the first lockdown.
“With lockdown easing and vaccine roll-out continuing, there are signs that people here are feeling more comfortable venturing out to do smaller shops more often,” said Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar.
“Frequency of trips is up 7.3 per cent in the latest 12 weeks, and basket sizes as a result have reduced by 12.6 per cent.
“And 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 last 12 weeks.”
The latest figures show Tesco remained the north’s largest grocer with 35.5 per cent of the market as it increased sales by 6.7 per cent.
Sainsbury’s grew by 4 per cent as shoppers contributed an additional £79.8 million to its tills. Asda’s sales rose 6.1 per cent, helping it to hold 16.1 per cent of the grocery market.
Lidl was again the fastest growing retailer in Northern Ireland, increasing sales by 15 per cent. This growth came from consumers buying more per trip and going to stores more often.
