According to the latest grocery market share figures released from Kantar Worldpanel, Dunnes Stores is still the largest supermarket in Ireland in the run up to the festive period.

The supermarket has seen sales growth of 2.4 per cent in the 12 weeks ending 3 December, with shoppers spending €2.30 more per visit compared with last year.

Director at Kantar Worldpanel Ireland, David Berry stated, “Dunnes Stores has always performed strongly in the countdown to Christmas and this year is no exception.”

Berry continued, “Holding steady year-on-year with a 22.5 per cent share of the market, the retailer has seen strong retail sales growth of 2.4 per cent to retain the title of Ireland’s largest supermarket.”

The Race Continues

Tesco secured second place, with 22.3 per cent share of the market, closely followed by SuperValu, with 22.2 per cent.

Sales at Tesco were up by 4.7 per cent compared with last year, marking the fourth month in a row that the supermarket giant has experienced sales growth of more than 4%.

Berry added, “Tesco has continued its strong run of form as we approach the peak Christmas shopping season, with consumers visiting the store more frequently and buying more items every time they shop,”

“Despite Tesco’s success there are only 0.3 percentage points separating the top three supermarkets – with the festive shopping period well and truly underway any of these retailers could secure the top spot at Christmas.”

Elsewhere, discounters Lidl and Aldi are tied in fourth position, capturing 11.2 per cent of market share each.

Lidl recorded the second fastest growth rate during this period, behind Tesco, with sales increasing by 3.3%.