Sainsbury’s was the only one of the UK’s Big Four food retailers to gain market share in the 12 weeks to 3 October, the latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel show.
Kantar’s data, issued today (12 October), said Sainsbury’s sales rose by 5.6% during the period, leading the UK’s third-largest retailer to increase its share of the market by 0.2 percentage points to 15.9%. As a whole, the UK grocery market grew 4.1%.
Sainsbury’s sales would have been boosted by its expansion programme in the UK although the retailer last week posted a 2% rise in like-for-like sales for the quarter to 2 October.
Asda, the UK’s second-largest retailer, saw its market share dip by 0.1 percentage points to 17.1% after its sales rose 3.2%.
Tesco, the country’s largest grocer, grew sales by 3.9% and its market share held firm at 30.9%.
The Kantar figures said Morrisons’ market share was static at 11.5% after its sales increased 4.7%.
Kantar communications director Ed Garner said: “We have seen Morrisons’ growth rate slow this period as it contends with the strong annual growth it posted a year ago. Similarly, Asda continues to see its share under pressure with a drop of 0.1% but this is better than in previous months and we are currently seeing the relaunch of Asda’s core own-label range through the ‘Chosen by You’ campaign.”
The gradual disappearance of the Somerfield fascia continues to boost The Co-operative Group’s market share, which rose from 5.4% to 6.7%.
Waitrose, meanwhile, saw its sales rise by 9%, taking its share of the UK grocery market from 4% to 4.2%.
