Lidl achieves record market share in UK

In the UK, deep-discount chain Lidl reached a record market share of 5.9% for the 12 weeks ending Aug. 20, according to market researcher Kantar. Lidl’s sales increased 7.7% during that time.

Kantar reported that the Germany-based retailer’s raft of new store openings helped it attract 489,000 additional shoppers during the period. Its campaign to encourage people to do their main weekly shop at Lidl made an impact and the average basket spend is $21.08, 3% higher than last year although lower than the $25.13 average of the big four — Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

While best known for its private label products, branded lines at Lidl grew by 19% during the period and now account for 13% of the discounter’s sales with a strong presence for alcohol, toiletries, household products and soft drinks, Kantar stated.

Lidl’s counterpart, Germany-based ALDI, had a sales increase of by 6.2%, supported by sales of bakery products, up 11%, and biscuits, up 13%, according to Kantar. Nearly half of all households shopped in an ALDI during the past 12 weeks, showing the extent to which the discounter has established itself in the UK with its large assortment of private brands, Kantar noted.

Online retailer and Kroger partner Ocado claimed the top spot as the UK’s fastest-growing grocer, increasing sales by 12.6% the period. The online retailer increased its shopper base by 7%. Ocado’s share of the total grocery market now stands at 1.4%, while it commands 18% of all online supermarket sales, according to Kantar.