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.
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.
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SHARP DIFFERENCES AMONG THE BIG 4
The latest grocery share figures from Kantar Worldpanel, published today for the 12 weeks ending 28 October, show sharply differing fortunes for the big four supermarkets.
The stand-out performer is Sainsbury's, which has delivered a 0.4 percentage point jump in market share - moving from 16.4% a year ago to 16.8% now. Paralympics sponsorship, Brand Match and own-label investment have all helped to boost Sainsbury's appeal to its shoppers.
Tesco continues to experience the pressure on share that has been a feature of the past year, growing behind the market at 2.1%.
Edward Garner, director at Kantar Worldpanel, comments: "Morrison's performance this month will cause concern, with its share dropping from 12.0% to 11.5% and a decline in sales of 0.4%. 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."
Asda's share is unchanged this period as the effect of the Netto acquisition has largely dropped out of the year-on-year comparisons.
The discounters continue to progress as Aldi reaches a 3.0% market share - yet another all-time record for the retailer. Waitrose also impresses, as it gears up for its traditionally strong Christmas period, by holding on to the record 4.7% share it achieved last period.
An update on inflation
Grocery inflation stands at 3.0%* for the 12 week period ending 28 October 2012. This is an increase on the 2.6% we reported last period and may herald further increases going forward as the widely reported rises in world foodstuff prices work their way through to retail channels.
Original source: Kantar Worldpanel
