WEALTH August 24, 2026 0 Comments

Why Grocery Stores Just Scored a 6% Win This Summer—and What It Means for Investors Eyeing the Heatwave Boom

Ever wonder what happens when a heatwave hits Ireland and shoppers suddenly morph into strategic stockpilers, making more trips and spending like there’s no tomorrow? Well, take-home grocery sales didn’t just rise—they surged by a solid 5.8% in the four weeks leading up to August 9, compared to the same stretch last year. What’s really fascinating here is that while inflation has eased a bit—dropping by around 2% to 3.87%—consumers are still laser-focused on value, diving into promotions with almost a quarter of their spend going on deals. It’s like watching a savvy economic dance where despite warmer weather and busier carts, Irish shoppers haven’t lost their edge or their eye for the best bargain. Curious how this all stacks up across brands, online sales, and the big players in the market? Dive right in to uncover the full story. LEARN MORE

Take-home grocery sales rose 5.8% in the four weeks prior to 9 August compared to the same period last year.

The latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator shows like-for-like grocery price inflation eased by around 2% to 3.87%.

Shoppers made more trips to stores to stock up during the heatwave in July and August, making an average of 23 trips per household or a combined 44m, which was up 4.6% versus last year.

Sales volumes rose 4.9%, with shoppers spending an average of €635 per person over the four weeks.

Over the previous 12 weeks, consumers spent nearly €197m on alcoholic beverages (+5.6%) and €36.1m on goods associated with good weather such as soft drinks, antipasti, ice cream and sun care.

Despite the uptick in trips and volumes, value remains front of mind for Irish shoppers, who spent €829m on promotional lines over the latest 12 weeks, giving promotions value share of 22.4%. Sales on promotion jumped 13.1% compared to the same period last year.

“Shoppers have kept a keen eye on value throughout the summer, with promotional sales now accounting for nearly a quarter of spend,” said Emer Healy, business development director at Worldpanel by Numerator.

“It’s clear that even amid the good weather and busier trollies, Irish shoppers haven’t lost sight of getting the best deal for their money.”

Branded goods performed strongly, growing 12.2% in value and adding €200m this period, with value share hitting 49.8%.

Own label grew more modestly at 4.3%, adding €71m. Premium own label ranges also held their own, up 13.6% in value, with shoppers spending an additional €19m on retailers’ own ranges.

Irish shoppers made nearly eight online orders on average over the 12 weeks, leading to online sales jumping by 27.6% over the latest 12 weeks and shoppers spending an additional €54.1m compared to the same period last year.

Over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes Stores held a 24.1% market share, with year-on-year sales growth of 8.4%.

Dunnes shoppers visited more often, with trips up 2.9% versus last year, while the grocer welcomed new shoppers to store. More frequent trips and new shopper recruits boosted the retailer’s performance, contributing a combined €53.9m.

Tesco Ireland holds 23.8% of the market, with year-on-year value growth of 7.9%.

Tesco saw a boost of shoppers returning to store more often in the latest 12 weeks (+0.8%). Alongside more frequent trips, new shoppers to Tesco stores contributed an additional combined €34.1m to overall performance.

SuperValu holds 19.4% share and grew this by 3.8% on the previous 12 weeks. It leads all major retailers on trip frequency, averaging 24.4 visits per person over the latest 12 weeks. New shoppers to store contributed an additional €21.7m to overall performance.

Grocery — Dunnes Stores is Ireland’s top supermarket by market share.

Lidl Ireland‘s market share stands at 14.8%, up 10.3% versus last year, meaning the discount retailer has seen the highest growth over the latest 12 weeks.

Lidl saw existing shoppers return to store more often, while an influx of new shoppers contributed an additional €46.3m to overall performance.

Aldi Ireland holds 10.9% market share. New shopper arrivals alongside more frequent trips drove an additional €1.9m in sales.