Worldpanel by Numerator analysis also shows growth in own-label sales
Consumers are continuing to seek value in their grocery shopping as kids head back to school, according to the latest figures from Worldpanel by Numerator.
Take-home sales at the grocers grew by 4.8 per cent over the four weeks to 7 September versus last year, the analyst’s figures show. Like-for-like grocery price inflation dipped slightly for the second consecutive month to 4.9 per cent.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, noted that while prices might not be climbing as quickly as before, they’re still on the rise and the battle between own-label lines and brands continues as household finances remain tight.
Supermarkets’ own lines now make up 51.2 per cent of all sales, up from 50.9 per cent a year ago, with sales of own label growing by 5.9 per cent this period. That’s just ahead of brands at 5.3 per cent.
“It’s the premium own-label goods which are the real standout performers,” McKevitt explained. ”Sales rose by an impressive 10.3 per cent, making it six months in a row that they’ve increased by double digits. However, brands are holding ground in some categories, showing that consumers still value well-known names across some very different parts of the store.”
Autumn signalled a return to work and school for many households, impacting what people bought at the supermarket. “People often start with good intentions and our data shows that this period is the most popular point in the academic year to bring a packed lunch to school,” McKevitt said.
”In the two weeks to 7 September, sales of lunchbox staples shot up among families with children compared to the previous fortnight.”
Strong period for Tesco
Tesco won more market share than any other grocer in the 12 weeks to 7 September 2025, and the market leader now accounts for 28.4 per cent of all sales, which is up 0.8 percentage points compared to a year ago.
The retailer saw growth across all channels, with spending up 7.7 per cent, which represents its highest rate since December 2023.
Ocado was once again the fastest-growing retailer, with sales rising by 11.9 per cent. It outpaced the wider online market, which was up by 8.2 per cent over the 12 weeks. Spending through the tills at Sainsbury’s increased by 5.4 per cent, taking its portion of the market up to 15.1 per cent.
Lidl was the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar retailer, with sales up 11 per cent, moving its share to 8.2 per cent from 7.8 per cent in 2024.
Fellow discounter Aldi held its 10.7 per cent share with an uplift in spending of 4.7 per cent. Morrisons’ portion of the market is now 8.4 per cent, while Asda’s stands at 11.8 per cent.
Take-home sales at Iceland grew by 4.7 per cent, with its share remaining at 2.3 per cent, while convenience specialist Co-op has a 5.4 per cent hold of the market. Waitrose’s share sits at 4.4 per cent, with spending up by 4.3 per cent. Sales of groceries at M&S were 5.9 per cent higher than a year ago.
