Irish grocery sales fell 0.9% in the 12 weeks to 5 August, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel.
The decline was not as steep as the 1.3% slide in the 12 weeks to 8 July but again demonstrated the pressure consumers in Ireland are under.
Kantar said own-label lines were benefiting from the conditions in the Ireland. "Value for money remains at the top of the agenda for shoppers who are becoming more selective about which products they buy and where they buy them. This has meant we have seen a surge in sales of retailer own brand goods across most categories, with everyday staples such as bread, breakfast cereals, biscuits and soft drinks doing well in particular. In fact, over the past two years ambient own label ranges like these have gained an additional four share points within the total market," David Berry, commercial director at Kantar Worldpanel, said.
Tesco, the largest retailer in Ireland, saw its sales increase 3%, taking its share to 28.8%.
Sales at Ireland's second-largest retailer, Dunnes, fell 5.5%, cutting its market share from 22.7% a year to 21.6%.
SuperValu, the country's number three grocer, increased its sales, which rose 0.3%. Its market share stood at 19.6%, up from 19.4% a year ago.
Discount retailers continued to benefit from the trading conditions in Ireland. The Kantar data showed Aldi and Lidl increasing their market share. The two German discounters had a combined share of 12.4%.
