• Aldi market share hits 6.2%, usurping the Co-op for the first time
  • The discounter’s sales rise 12.4% in the 12 weeks to January 29
  • Morrisons takes title of fastest-growing big four grocer as sales advance 1.9%
  • Embattled Asda stems rate of revenue decline to 1.9% during the period

Aldi has leapfrogged the Co-op to become the UK’s fifth-largest grocer, according to the latest industry data from Kantar Worldpanel.

Aldi pic

Aldi pic

Aldi grew sales 12.4% in the 12 weeks to January 29

The German discounter grew sales 12.4% during the 12 weeks to January 29, propelling its market share up 0.6 percentage points to 6.2%.

That meant it overtook the Co-op for the first time, despite the convenience specialist posting a 2% uplift in sales during the same period.

The mutual’s continued momentum was driven by a 7% spike in own-label sales.

Kantar Worldpanel’s head of retail and consumer insight Fraser McKevitt said: “Just a decade ago Aldi was the UK’s tenth-largest food retailer, accounting for less than 2% of the grocery market.

“Since then the grocer has grown rapidly, climbing the rankings by an impressive five places to hold a 6.2% market share.

“Underpinned by an extensive programme of store openings, the past quarter has seen Aldi attract 826,000 more shoppers than during the same period last year.”

Co-op food boss Steve Murrells, who previously told Retail Week it was “inevitable” that its market share would be usurped by Aldi, said: “Our strategy is delivering strong results as we continue to focus on our core convenience business, with the right stores in the right location with the right range.

“According to Kantar, we are the most frequently visited retailer in the UK. Our offer and revised ranging meets the ‘little and often’ mantra of the modern-day shopper and is tailored to meet the needs of local communities, whether it be top-up shopping or food on the go.”

Rivals’ performance

According to the Kantar data, Morrisons was the fastest-growing member of the big four during the quarter as it continued its impressive turnaround.

The Bradford-based chain enjoyed a 1.9% increase in revenues, edging its market share up 0.1 percentage points to 10.9%.

Tesco’s sales edged up 0.3% across the 12 weeks, while Sainsbury’s revenues were flat year-on-year.

Asda’s sales continued to decline, but the Walmart-owned supermarket stemmed the rate of decline to 1.9% as new boss Sean Clarke’s turnaround plan begun to take hold.

Aldi’s discount rival Lidl was the second-fastest-growing chain during the period, registering a 9.4% jump in sales.

Waitrose and Iceland recorded revenue rises of 3.4% and 8.6% respectively as the frozen-food specialist retained its place as the fastest-growing grocer outside of the German discounters.

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