Tesco sales slow in Ireland as Superquinn performs strongly

Tesco, which is the largest grocer in Ireland, recorded a sales fall of 1.3% in the 12 weeks to March 17 and now holds a 27.5% share of the market, down from 28.2% a year earlier, according to Kantar Worldpanel.

The discounters grew strongly with Aldi’s sales up 30.7% and Lidl 5.8%. They hold 6.3% and 6.4% shares respectively.

Superquinn enjoyed a 1.9% increase in sales ahead of total grocery market growth of 1.5%. Its market share was flat at 5.7%.

SuperValu sales rose 2.1% and it now holds a 20% share of the market behind Dunnes which holds a 22.6% share.

Kantar Worldpanel commercial director David Berry said: “Things have started to look up for both Superquinn and the grocery market as a whole. The 1.9% sales growth posted by the retailer is good news, particularly as it is the first time it has beaten the market, which is currently growing at 1.5%, since 2007.

“This growth has been driven by people buying more items each time they shop at Superquinn, with fresh and chilled foods proving particularly popular.”

Kantar said Irish shoppers are buying fewer items compared with last year but are spending on average €18.20 more, a trend driven mainly by the high rate of inflation.