Sainsbury's takes more share off Asda

Sainsbury’s is continuing to grow at a faster pace than rival Asda, according to new data from market researchers Kantar Worldpanel.

Sales at the UK’s third largest supermarket chain increased by 5.5 per cent over the 12 weeks to September 6, surpassing the total market growth of 4 per cent. Its total share of the UK grocery market now stands at 16 per cent compared, up 0.2 per cent from the same period last year.

By contrast, Asda reported sales growth of just 2.6 per cent over the 12 week period and its market share fell to 17.2 per cent, compared to 17.4 per cent last year.

According to the Kantar figures, Morrisons recorded the largest market share growth of the big four supermarkets, with sales up by 5.9 per cent, while Waitrose saw a 9.3 per cent rise in sales growth over the same 12 weeks a year ago.

Tesco’s growth over the 12 weeks to September 6 was in line with the overall market (4 per cent).

Commenting on the figures, Edward Garner, communications director at Kantar Worldpanel, said: "While uncertainty in the economy means that value is still important, consumers are placing increasing importance on the freshness and quality of the food they buy."

"This is evident in the premiumisation we have seen in the grocery market and the strong performances of Sainsburys and Waitrose ."

Source : supermarket.co.uk