Bad Weather Hits UK Grocery Sales

According to the latest TNS Worldpanel data, UK grocery sales have grown at their slowest rate for more than a year, impacted by wet weather and a squeeze on consumer spending.

In the 12 weeks to 15 July, the market grew by 4% which TNS says is the slowest growth rate since May 2006.

TNS Worldpanel Research Director Chris Longbottom said that the figures showed the first signs of a consumer slowdown, but added that this compared with a buoyant period last year with a run up to the World Cup.

The firm says that the top three retailers all experienced growth of around 5%. Tesco's market share remained stable at 31.5% in the period (it reached this level in February - see www.mrweb.com/drno/news6421.htm ). Waitrose meanwhile continued to outdo the big three with top line growth of 6%.

Iceland, Aldi and Lidl enjoyed double digit growth, with Iceland's coming through increasing spend per shopper and Aldi and Lidl's from increasing shopper numbers as they both continued with their programme of new store openings.

Somerfield saw spending down 6% from this time a year ago, which has largely been driven by falling shopper numbers.

TNS Worldpanel data is based on the value of items being bought by consumers. The panel's coverage extends to more than 50 countries worldwide, with services based on continuously monitored samples providing information on purchasing and usage activity. The firm's web site is at www.tns-global.com.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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