The latest TNS Worldpanel grocery market share figures have been published for the 12 weeks ending 17^th May 2009. Peter East, Director, TNS Worldpanel, comments confirm that the sector is growing strongly at 5.8%.  “Whilst growth has slowed down compared to the April figure of 6.2% it still represents robust growth, with the fall being attributable to lower grocery inflation.

“Amongst the Big 4 retailers Morrisons lead the way with annual growth of 7.9%, taking their share up to 11.6% (compared to 11.4% last year). Sainsbury’s with 7.8% growth and Asda with 7.2% growth follow closely behind, increasing their market shares to 16.3% and 17.1% respectively.

“Tesco growth has improved slightly since April to 4.7% but as this is behind the market their share fell to 30.8% (compared to 31.1% last year).

“Waitrose are showing signs of combating recessionary pressures with growth increasing to 4.0%, still slower than the market but an encouraging indication that customers are confident enough to shop at a premium retailer. Waitrose will be looking at their increased sales growth as an early vindication of their ‘Essentials’ range strategy.

“The discount retailers (Aldi, Netto and Lidl) have taken their combined market share up to 6.1% (compared to 5.9% last year) but it is worth noting that their combined growth rate of 9.4% has slowed and is no longer running at twice that of the Big 4 retailers.”