The UK grocery sector remains resilient, showing year-on-year growth of 5.9% in the three months to 12 July 2009, according to the latest figures from analyst TNS Worldpanel.
TNS analytical consultant Fraser McKevitt said: “The headline growth rate has slowed slightly versus the previous 12 weeks, but this is partly due to Easter phasing. Seasonal grocery markets have performed particularly strongly in the good July weather.
“Morrisons has once again delivered the fastest year-on-year growth this period, increasing sales by 9.5% with market share rising 0.4% points to 11.6%. The combination of strong Price Crunch message and the focus on fresh food has seen Morrisons post a 22nd successive period of market-share growth.
“Asda’s growth of 8.1% and Sainsbury’s growth of 7.7% means they both gain 0.3% points share versus last year, up to 17% and 16% respectively. Tesco growth over the same period was 5.7%, narrowly behind that of the overall sector and share is virtually unchanged versus a year ago at 30.8%.
“Waitrose have posted another strong growth figure of 8.2%, second only to Morrisons amongst the mainstream retailers. Recent store openings of former Somerfield sites have contributed to this performance. The highly publicised Essentials range and increased focus on promotions and value have clearly resonated with shoppers in a time of recession.
“In a continuation from last period, the growth of the discounters has again slowed slightly, although Aldi and Lidl remain ahead of the sector average.
“Somerfield’s year-on-year decline continues to accelerate, now down 19.1% due to the store divestments necessitated by the Competition Commission following their acquisition by the Co-operative.”
TNS added that grocery price inflation has further decreased since last month and the figure for the 12-week period ending 12 July 2009 is 5.9%, a fall of 3.2% percentage points since March.
Market share
Figure in brackets shows change in sales vs same period last year
Tesco 30.8% (+5.7)
Asda 17.0% (+8.1)
Sainsbury’s 16% (+7.7)
Morrisons 11.6% (+9.5)
Total Co-operative 8.2% (-3.9)
Co-operative 5.4% (+6.4)
Somerfield 2.8% (-19.1)
Waitrose 3.9% (+8.2)
Iceland 1.7% (+6.9)
Aldi 3.0% (+8.3)
Lidl 2.4% (+6.8)
Netto 0.7% (+2.1)
Farm Foods 0.5% (+16.0)
Total independents 2.2% (-9.7)
Total symbols 0.8% (-9.3)
Other independents 1.4% (-9.9)
