Discount supermarkets take highest ever market share

Discount supermarkets are taking their highest ever share of the grocery spending it the UK as consumers continue to rein in spending, according to the Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) Worldpanel grocery market share figures.

The discount chains took a 5.9% share of grocery spending over the 12 weeks to July 13. Aldi has reported 20% growth year-on-year, which gives it a 2.9% share of the market, and Lidl has grown by 14%, increasing its market share to 2.4%.

The “big four” retailers have still recorded growth with Tesco’s seeing growth of 6.5% and retaining the highest market share at 31.3%. Asda and Morrisons both grew their market share by 9% with Asda now accounting for a 16.9% of the market and Morrisons taking an 11.3% share. Sainsbury’s has a 15.9% market share, growing by 5.6% year-on-year.

The trend towards discount retailers is still relatively small in the UK compared to continental Europe. In France, discounters take 11% of grocery spending and 38% in Germany, according to the TNSEuropanel.