Take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 5.8% over the four weeks to 9 August 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator. Grocery inflation eased again, with like-for-like grocery prices up 3.87%. This figure is down 2.01% versus the same period last year, bringing welcome news for Irish shoppers.
The warm weather continued through July into August, and this was reflected in shoppers stocking up and making more trips to stores as they stocked up to enjoy the summer heatwave at home. Shoppers made 44 million trips to stores over the latest four-week period, an average of 23 trips per household, which is up 4.6% versus last year. Volumes were also up 4.9%, while shoppers spent on average €635 per person over the four weeks.
Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Worldpanel by Numerator, said: "This summer's warm weather has clearly put a spring in Irish shoppers' step, with trips, volumes and spend all climbing, which will be positive news for Ireland’s grocers.”
The impact of the weather on shopping habits was also reflected at a category level, with typical summer fare seeing a boost over the latest 12-week period. Irish shoppers raised a glass to the sunshine, spending nearly €197 million on alcoholic beverages, up 5.6% versus last year. Shoppers spent an additional €36.1 million on goods typically associated with warmer weather, including soft drinks, antipasti, ice cream and suncare.
Despite the uptick in trips and volumes, value remains front of mind for Irish shoppers, who spent €829 million on promotional lines over the latest 12 weeks, giving promotions value share of 22.4%. Sales on promotion jumped 13.1% compared to the same period last year.
Emer Healy continued: "Shoppers have kept a keen eye on value throughout the summer, with promotional sales now accounting for nearly a quarter of spend. It's clear that even amid the good weather and busier trollies, Irish shoppers haven't lost sight of getting the best deal for their money.”
Branded goods the standout performer, while online sales fizz thanks to heatwave
Branded goods performed strongly, growing 12.2% in value and adding €200 million this period, with value share hitting 49.8%. Own label grew more modestly at 4.3%, adding €71 million. Premium own label ranges also held their own, up 13.6% in value, with shoppers spending an additional €19 million on retailers’ own ranges.
E-commerce also benefited from the rays, as more shoppers opted to get their shopping delivered to their front door. Irish shoppers made nearly eight online orders on average over the 12 weeks, leading to online sales jumping by 27.6% over the latest 12 weeks and shoppers spending an additional €54.1 million compared to the same period last year.
Lidl sees highest growth over latest 12 weeks
Over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes holds 24.1% market share, with year-on-year sales growth of 8.4%. Dunnes shoppers visited more often, with trips up 2.9% versus last year, while the grocer welcomed new shoppers to store. More frequent trips and new shopper recruits boosted the retailer’s performance, contributing a combined €53.9 million.
Tesco holds 23.8% of the market, with year-on-year value growth of 7.9%. Tesco saw a boost of shoppers returning to store more often in the latest 12 weeks (+0.8%). Alongside more frequent trips, new shoppers to Tesco stores contributed an additional combined €34.1 million to overall performance.
SuperValu holds 19.4% share and grew this by 3.8% on the previous 12 weeks. It leads all major retailers on trip frequency, averaging 24.4 visits per person over the latest 12 weeks. New shoppers to store contributed an additional €21.7 million to overall performance.
Lidl market share stands at 14.8%, up 10.3% versus last year, meaning the discount retailer has seen the highest growth over the latest 12 weeks. Lidl saw existing shoppers return to store more often, while an influx of new shoppers contributed an additional €46.3 million to overall performance.
Aldi holds 10.9% market share. New shopper arrivals alongside more frequent trips drove an additional €1.9 million in sales.
