Why Grocery Sales Surge 5.5% Amid Soaring Inflation Could Signal a Bigger Economic Shock Coming Your Way
So, grocery sales in Ireland are up 5.5% as of early September compared to last year—sounds pretty solid, right? But here’s a kicker: inflation on grocery prices isn’t sitting still; it’s climbed from 3.87% to 4.28%. Yet, people are hitting the stores more often (+2.4%) and lugging home bigger hauls (+1.8%). You’d think with prices zooming up, shoppers might tighten their belts, but nope, they’re actually shopping more—44.6 million trips made in just four weeks. Makes me wonder, are Irish consumers just blessed with iron wallets or are they smarter than ever, chasing deals like hawks? Turns out, they’re definitely hunting value, dropping €820 million on promos alone, which now snatch nearly a fifth of the spend. So, while warm weather and back-to-school chaos gave folks that extra pep in their step, their eyes stayed sharply fixed on stretching each euro. And with branded goods surging by 13% as folks stock up on essentials, plus a notable boost in online shopping, Ireland’s grocery game is buzzing. Curious how your favorite retailer stacks up and what’s driving these trends? Dive deeper—and trust me, it’s a fascinating read. LEARN MORE
Take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased 5.5% in the four weeks to early September compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator.
Inflation in like-for-like grocery prices increased from 3.87% last month to 4.28%, and shopping frequency (+2.4%) and volume (+1.8%) both rose year-on-year.
“Irish shoppers made 44.6m trips in the four weeks to 3 September, 1.65m more than last month, as this summer’s warm weather and back-to-school routines clearly put a spring in their step,” said Emer Healy, business development director at Worldpanel by Numerator.
“With trips, volumes and spend all climbing, it’s positive news for Ireland’s grocers.”
Despite the uptick in shopping trips and volume, value remained a main consideration for consumers, who spent €820m on promotional items over the latest 12-week survey period, giving promotions value share of nearly 20.7%.
“Shoppers have kept a keen eye on value throughout the summer, with promotional sales now accounting for nearly a quarter of spend, up 8.5%,” Healy continued.
“It’s clear that even amid the good weather and busier trolleys, Irish shoppers haven’t lost sight of getting the best deal for their money.”
Sales of branded goods increased 13% or €216m as shoppers stocked up on back-to-school staples such as biscuits, savoury snacks, breakfast bars, sliced cooked meats and yoghurts.
Value share for brands now stands at 50.4%. Own label grew more modestly at 3.6%, adding €60m in sales.
Premium own label ranges held their own, up 11.2% in value, with shoppers spending an additional €15.6m on retailers’ premium own ranges.
Online shopping increased 3.8% versus this time last year, and consumers made nearly eight online orders per household over the 12 weeks, an increase of 7.8% year-on-year.
Online sales jumped by 24.1% over the 12 weeks and shoppers spent an additional €48.9m compared to the same period last year.
Dunnes Stores remains the market leader with a 24.3% market share and year-on-year sales growth of 8.2%.
Dunnes shoppers visited 5.6% more often compared to last year, contributing €54.3m in sales along with new shoppers.
Tesco holds 24.1% of the market after seeing annual sales growth of 7.8%. New shoppers and increased frequency (+2.4%) contributed €28.4m in new sales.
SuperValu has a 19.2% share, up 4% in the past 12 weeks, and led all retailers in trip frequency at 23.1 visits per person. Greater sales volumes and new shoppers contributed €42.9m to overall performance.
Lidl‘s market share stands at 14.7%, up 9.6% 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, as well as an influx of new shoppers who picked up more packs per trip, contributing an additional €44m to overall performance.
Aldi holds 10.8% market share. New shopper arrivals alongside more frequent trips drove an additional €4.6m in sales.
(Pic: Getty Images)
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