Sainsbury’s was the “stand-out performer” in the UK’s grocery market in the last three months, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel.
The retailer’s sales climbed 6.4% in the 12 weeks to 28 October, increasing its share of the UK grocery market to 16.8% from 16.4% a year ago. Its sponsorship of the Paralympics, promotional scheme Brand Match and own-label investment had helped boost sales.
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Tesco, the country’s largest retailer, saw sales not grow as quickly as the market. Sales were up 2.1% as the retailer continued to experience the pressure on share that has been a feature of the past year, Kantar said.
Edward Garner, director at Kantar Worldpanel, highlighted Morrison’s performance this month as a “cause concern”, with its share dropping from 12% to 11.5% and a decline in sales of 0.4%.
Asda’s share – at 17.5% – remained unchanged the period, while Waitrose held on to the record 4.7% share it achieved last period.
“Recent announcements about the development of online and convenience, which are the two fastest growing grocery channels, will no doubt be given added urgency as these channels continue to deliver growth for competitors,” Garner said.
Grocery inflation stands at 3% for the period, an increase on the 2.6% reported last period.
