Discounters continue to gain share in Ireland, with Lidl and Aldi posting strong growth over the last quarter, as the overall market has continued to slow, according to the latest Kantar Worldpanel figures.

Lidl saw its sales rise 7% in the 12 weeks to 10 July, taking its share of Ireland’s grocery market to 6.2%.

The growth meant Lidl had a bigger share of the market than local grocer Superquinn for the first time and made the German giant the fourth-largest retailer in Ireland.

Aldi, meanwhile, posted a 26% rise in sales, which took its share of the market to 4.4%.

However, the growth in the overall market slowed, with sales up 0.5%, compared to 0.9% in June.

Tesco, the largest retailer in Ireland, grew ahead of the market, with sales up 1.5%. The UK retailer increased its share of the market from 27.6% a year ago to 27.8%.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

However, the potential change of ownership at Superquinn would bring Musgrave Group’s market share closer to Tesco.

Musgrave has agreed to buy Superquinn, which moved into receivership last week. Superquinn directors mounted a legal challenge to the move last week and the sale of the business to Musgrave remains subject to regulatory approval.

However, Kantar said the acquisition would make Musgrave “a serious contender for the top spot”.

Kantar commercial director David Berry added: “The potential acquisition would particularly affect the competitive Dublin area. Musgrave accounts for just 10% of grocery sales in Dublin but with the addition of Superquinn it would hold 23% of sales. 

“The possible acquisition would create a fresh food powerhouse with the combined group achieving 31.5% share of the fresh and chilled sector across Ireland – seven points ahead of Tesco. The challenge for the retailer would be to halt Superquinn’s decline by convincing shoppers that it is the place to shop for both quality and value for money.”