Discounters increase Irish grocery share

The Irish grocery market, excluding convenience, grew by 5.7% in the 52 weeks ending 28 December 2008, according to TNS Worldpanel Ireland.

The figures are based on a basket of 200+ grocery categories, not total till roll, and they exclude convenience.

Of the leading grocery multiples, Dunnes and the discounters were the star performers last year. Dunnes, the second largest retailer, increased its share by 0.5% to 24.1%.

The discounters also grew by 0.5% to command a 7.3% share. They are now chasing Superquinn, the fourth largest player with a 7.5% market share.

Tesco remains the market leader in Ireland although its share dipped by 0.1% to 26.1% in 2008.

Supervalu, the number three, also recorded a share drop, down 0.3% to 20%.

Other multiples including Marks & Spencer and Boots nudged forward to 1.8%. Symbols’ share fell by 0.2% to 5.9% compared with the previous year.