Aldi and Lidl sales up
ALDI has emerged a winner from the fierce festive fight for UK grocery sales as new ranges and premium products proved a hit with middle-class shoppers seeking value-for-money.
The Germany-based supermarket chain grew sales by 30.5 per cent in the six weeks to January 6 while rival German chain Lidl saw turnover rise 11.2 per cent, according to retail analyst Kantar.
Aldi’s UK managing director of buying Tony Baines said: “We have been expanding our specially selected premium offering and will be looking to develop more of these products this year. Our specially selected venison steaks, long-smoked salmon and whole quail were a big draw for middle-class customers.”
Kantar’s figures show sales at Sainsbury’s and Tesco both rising by 3.9 per cent, Asda’s sales up 2.1 per cent.
The growing influence of internet shopping was reflected in a 14.2 per cent jump in sales at Ocado to £91.6million over the same period, while the Co-op enjoyed a good performance at its convenience stores. Its sales rose 2.4 per cent in the three weeks to January 5.