UK: Aldi, Lidl share gains continue - TNS

By just-food.com | 16 September 2008

The popularity of discount retailers Aldi and Lidl in the UK, particularly among younger, larger families, is continuing to rise, according to the latest data released by analysts TNS Worldpanel.

The figures, released today (16 September), highlighted that Aldi and Lidl again gained share of the UK grocery market after seeing sales jump in the last 12 weeks.

Aldi saw its share of the market rise from 2.6% to 2.9% during the 12 weeks to 9 September after sales at its stores soared 20.8%.

Discount rival Lidl grew its share from 2.3% to 2.4% after its sales rose 11.1%.

TNS said the results confirmed the trends seen in the previous 12-week period measured by its analysts, with shoppers "responding to low-price messages".

Morrisons, the UK's fourth-largest retailer, saw its sales rise by 9.2%, while Asda, the country's number two grocer, saw sales climb 9.1%.

Tesco and Sainsbury's both saw sales rise - by 6.7% and 5.6% respectively - but both also saw their shares of the market eroded.

Total grocery sales were up 7.3%, TNS said, with the analysts pointing to food inflation for the increase. Volumes, it said, were "largely static".

Food inflation rose 9% year-on-year during the 12 weeks to 9 September, TNS said.

Sectors: Retail

Companies: Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s