Waitrose storefront

Aldi's share of the UK grocery market is nearly neck and neck with Waitrose.

The discounter's rise is highlighted by the latest grocery share figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks ending 20 July 2014.

Aldi’s 32 per cent growth rate has lifted its market share to 4.8 per cent - a new record for the retailer, and one that means it has nearly caught up with Waitrose on 4.9 per cent.

Nevertheless, Ed Garner, director at Kantar Worldpanel, noted: “Waitrose has continued to resist pressure from the competition, testament to its policy of maximum differentiation, and has grown sales by 3.4 per cent. This figure is well above the market average and thereby has lifted its market share.”

In the period the data covers, Lidl sales grew by nearly 20 per cent, and it has held onto its record share of 3.6 per cent.

Among the big four grocers, both Asda and Sainsbury’s have held onto their market shares of 17 per cent and 16.6 per cent respectively.

Conversely, Tesco and Morrisons have recorded losses with sales for both outlets declining by 3.8 per cent compared with this time last year.

Iceland has posted a small drop in sales, its first since 2005, but has retained its 2 per cent market share.