SUPERMARKET AND GROCERY sales have declined by 0.2 per cent, according to the latest share data released by Kantar Worldpanel.

But while the trading environment for retailers was tough over the past year, sales in own-name brands and labels enjoyed a boost as shoppers attempted to save money.

Data shows a 2.3 per cent year-on-year increase in sales of own-brands.

This month, both Aldi and Tesco have posted record shares in relation to own-brand goods (5.2 per cent and 28.4 per cent, respectively).

“Sales of branded goods have dropped over the past year and now account for 53 per cent of the market, down from 54.1 per cent last year.  In contrast, we are seeing own label products thriving for retailers like Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi and Lidl,” said David Berry, commercial director at Kantar Worldpanel.

He said that Aldi, Tesco, SuperValu and Lidl have all growth faster than the market this month, increasing pressures on their competitors.

“Aldi’s growth of 20.1 per cent has led to a record share for the retailer this month, breaking through the 5 per cent mark to 5.2 per cent and further demonstrating the importance of price to consumers.  Tesco has also posted a new record share this month of 28.4 per cent, increasing from the 27.4 per cent it posted in the same period last year and solidifying its number one status in Ireland,” said Berry.

Read: Retail sales on the up for second month running