Grocery price inflation rises to 4.9% following busy Easter period

Promotional sales currently hold 22.8% of total grocery spending compared to 20.8% last year.

Grocery price inflation has risen to over 4.9% this month compared to the same 12-week period last year, new figures from Kantar reveal. 

Inflation levels were up 2.52 percentage points compared to last year, with an additional €15.3m being spent on seasonal Easter confectionery, with 82% of this attributed to Easter eggs alone. 

Shoppers also purchased more Easter eggs than last year, up 6.6%, with over 64% of Irish households buying one this year. Notably, 43% of all Easter egg sales were made on promotion.

However, promotional sales were not just for Easter Eggs, Kantar added. The total grocery market in Ireland saw an increase in promotions by 15.4% in the 12 weeks with shoppers spending an additional €109m on promotional lines versus the same period last year. 

Promotional sales currently hold 22.8% of total grocery spending compared to 20.8% last year.

April also saw a steep increase in alcohol sales, up 8.7% year-on-year. Shoppers spent an additional €8m on beer and cider, wine and non-alcoholic drinks versus last year. 

Over the 12 weeks, online grocery sales were boosted by a 10% increase in shopping frequency and an influx of new customers. More than 18% of Irish households shopped online for groceries during this time, with new shoppers and more frequent trips contributing a combined €22.8m to overall performance.

“Despite average prices continuing to rise, it’s clear that Irish consumers are still treating themselves," said Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar.

"With Easter falling late this year, it’s been a real boost for retailers who have benefitted from special occasions including St Patrick’s Day, Pancake Day, Easter and the forthcoming May bank holiday.”

Brighter and warmer days also boosted the performance of typical BBQ choices with an extra combined €1.1m spent on sausages, antipasti, coleslaw and potato salad in April.

In the 12 weeks to 20 April, Dunnes held 24.1% market share, with sales growth of 6.5% year-on-year. Tesco holds 23.4% of the market, with value growth of 7.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, SuperValu held 20.3% of the market with growth of 5.2%. 

Lidl held 13.5% market share up 5.3%, with larger trips driving an additional €10.7m in sales, while Aldi held 11.5% market share, up 5.6%.