Essentials help boost Waitrose growth by 12%

22 September, 2009

Market share data for the UK Grocery market from TNS has shown a slight slow-down over the past month, with the market growing by 5.2% in the 12 weeks to 6 September 2009. According to the market research agency, “recession panic” is beginning to leave the mindset of both consumer and retailer alike, with Waitrose proving to be the key beneficiary – growing by 11.2% compared with the previous year, aided by the performance of its ‘essentials’ range, and the acquisition of a number of Co-operative/Somerfield sites.

Ed Garner, Director at TNS Worlpanel, signalled a cautionary note – despite the solid performance from the grocery industry: “This is not to imply that all sectors of the High Street will instantly return to pre-recession growth. Rather that food remains a manageable proportion of most household budgets bys historical standards.

“It is worth noting that there is challenge to the sector coming from the falling grocery inflation rate – this will restrict value growth for the industry going forward.”

12 Week Market Shares

	12 weeks to 07 September 2008	12 Weeks to 06 September 2009
Tesco	31.1%	30.9%
Asda	17.0%	17.4%
Sainsbury’s	15.6%	15.8%
Morrisons	10.8%	11.3%
Somerfield	3.8%	2.7%
Waitrose	3.7%	3.9%
Iceland	1.7%	1.7%
Netto	0.8%	0.8%
Lidl	2.3%	2.3%
Aldi	2.9%	3.0%
Farmfoods	0.5%	0.6%
Other Freezer Centres	0.2%	0.2%
Other Multiples	1.7%	1.8%
Total Co-ops	9.2%	8.2%
Total Independents	2.5%	2.2%

Source: TNS Worldpanel