Grocery price inflation in the UK dipped to 4.5% in the four weeks to March 17th, the lowest level since February 2022, according to the latest data from Kantar. This marks a further easing from the 5.3% rate recorded in February as supply chain costs ease.
The market research firm revealed that total grocery sales rose 4.2% annually to £33.02 billion over the same period, partly boosted by shoppers stocking up on Easter treats earlier than usual. Premium own-label lines were a major winner, growing 16.1% as cost-conscious consumers traded down.
Among the major supermarkets, Tesco saw sales climb 5.8% to £9.03 billion, nudging its market share up 0.4 percentage points to 27.3%. Sainsbury’s performed even better with a 6.7% sales rise to £5.01 billion and a 0.4 percentage point market share gain to 15.2%.
Discounters remained a focal point, with Aldi’s sales up 3.1% for a 9.8% market share. Lidl grew faster at 8.8%, capturing 7.8% driven by strong baked goods and produce sales. The online grocer Ocado was the fastest-growing retailer, improving sales 9.5% to £633 million on the back of a voucher campaign.
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