Supermarkets enjoy a bounceback in May

The grocery sector returned to “respectable” growth in May following lacklustre performance earlier in the year.

/p/a/m/SupermarketsLogos.jpg

The overall sector grew 4.8% in the three months to 15 May, according to Kantar Worldpanel.

In the four weeks to 15 May, growth increased to 7.8%, bolstered by Easter shopping, warm weather and the Royal Wedding.

Edward Garner, communications director at Kantar Worldpanel, says: “The market has seen a boost this period, now growing at a far more respectable rate of 4.8% compared to the lacklustre performance we saw in March of 2.6%.”

Grocers at both ends of the price bands performed well. Waitrose reported 8.8% sales growth and increased its share to 4.3% up from 4.1% over the same period last year, while both Aldi and Lidl both reported double-digit growth.

Aldi reached its highest ever market share of 3.4% compared with 3.1% a year ago. Lidl maintained its highest share of 2.6%.

Iceland, which is in the midst of takeover speculation, reported 5.7% sales growth and maintained its 1.9% market share.

Tesco and Morrisons increased their market share to 30.7% and 11.9% respectively, while Sainsbury’s share remained static at 16.3%.

Asda slipped behind the market average reporting 3.5% sales growth and dropping market share to 16.6% down from 16.8% last year.