Prices down significantly in main supermarkets

The National Consumer Agency says grocery prices have declined significantly in all the main Irish supermarkets since the start of the year.

The agency's latest price summary shows that the price of a basket of branded goods in Tesco stores where the Change for Good campaign is operating have fallen by 15%.

Prices in Dunnes Stores have fallen 14% and in Superquin by 8%, while prices are down just 7.4% in Tesco stores where the Change for Good campaign has not been introduced.

The NCA says the price of as basket of goods in Tesco and Dunnes is almost identical, with Superquinn around 4% more expensive.

Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the NCA, said: "Prices are coming down across the board which is good news for consumers.

"However, the survey is also throwing up some very interesting findings, with Dunnes Stores and Tesco pricing almost neck and neck on branded goods, indicating that Dunnes is meeting Tesco prices as it rolls out its 'Change for Good' campaign.

"SuperValu stores along the border region, where it is running its Sterling Match programme, are not far behind."