Dunnes Stores has fought off SuperValu to retain the top spot in the latest supermarket share figures — the first time it has been on top for two consecutive months.

Five times more shoppers are doing their main shop at budget supermarkets, Aldi and Lidl, than before the recession.

Dunnes Stores increased its share of the grocery market in the run-up to Christmas as the major retailers dominated, with smaller stores taking a near 10% hit in the most competitive trading period of the year.

Tesco is consolidating its dominant position in a slow-growing Irish grocery sector, capturing a record 28.2% market share in the 12 weeks ending Jan 22.

GERMAN discounters Aldi and Lidl are making significant inroads in the Irish grocery market with Lidl matching long-standing retailer Superquinn’s market share for the first time.

SHOPPERS are buying 4% fewer groceries in a bid to cut back as they are faced with rising prices.

SHOPPERS are still flock- ing to discount retailers Aldi and Lidl but no longer as keen to head to the North for groceries, with figures showing a 21% slide in Irish shopper sales at Asda and Sainsbury’s.