Grocery sales buoyed by warm weather and football fever
The latest monthly figures from ACNielsen confirm that supermarket sales in June continue to be buoyed by warm summer weather and world cup fever.
Since the beginning of April, Total Till sales have increased by 5% with sales at the Grocery Multiples showing an impressive 8% growth in the last 2 weeks. Results from ACNielsen Homescan for the 12 weeks to 17th June confirm that the winners continue to be Tesco and Waitrose, while Asda and Sainsbury are still neck and neck for the runners up position with market shares of 15.6% and 14.9% (see table).
Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer Services at ACNielsen comments “Sainsbury`s market share is up on this time last year. However after a poor start to the year, in the last couple of months and helped by Easter, Asda have started to gain share. Nevertheless, in the last 4 weeks Asda have been growing at a slower rate than Sainsbury’s at 6.6% and 8.4% respectively.” He adds “Tesco are pushing the market growth due their sheer scale and are adding new selling space fast, so can maximize the buoyant market more than most.”
If England continue their current winning streak in the world cup, then beers and wines will continue to see a sales boost, as will non foods, soft drinks and fresh foods. This will help to compensate for the 1.5%, and slowing, underlying growth in grocery since the start of the year.
For the shopper, they may soon think it’s all over. And in fact it will be for many retailers as the peak holiday season approaches and market growth and shopping trips return to normal.
