The discount food retailing sector is soaring and has reached a record 6.2 per cent of the market for the 12 weeks to November 2, according to figures from TNS.
  • Aldi ruled the roost with year-on-year sales growth of 23.9 per cent, against rival Lidl's 11.0 per cent.

  • Among the big four, the pace continued to be set by Asda and Morrisons, which both outperformed the market with growth rates of 9.0 per cent and 9.4 per cent repsectively.

  • Tesco sufffered a 0.4 per cent year-on-year drop, to 30.9 per cent, while Sainsbury's share remained static.

Ed Garner, director of research at TNS Worldpanel, said that the figures underline the way in which the economic downturn is impacting grocery shares.

He added that those with a strong price positioning are continuing to benefit, putting the premium end of the market under pressure.