The latest TNS Worldpanel grocery market share figures show that the discounter boom is tailing off as the sector rides out the recession.

The data for the 12 weeks ending June 14 indicate that consumers are starting to revert to their pre-recession behaviour.

Notably, the growth of discounters Aldi and Lidl has tailed off and both retailers saw their growth eclipsed in this period by Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

Waitrose has enjoyed a considerable “bounce”, with annual growth reaching seven per cent, - thought to be a result of the launch of its Essentials range as well as early conversions of former Somerfield stores.

Tesco has posted its highest growth so far this year at 6.2 per cent.

Ed Garner, TNS Worldpanel director, said: “This is just a whisker behind the grocery sector growth so share is virtually unchanged. Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons all perform strongly, outgrowing the market and adding share.

“The decline of Somerfield, at 12.7 per cent year on year, may look alarming but it should be remembered that the Competition Commission required them to divest stores following their acquisition by The Co-operative. In future, we will see the Somerfield share progressively decline as the fascias of the remaining stores convert to The Co-operative livery.”

Grocery price inflation has further decreased since last month and the figure for the 12-week period ending June 14 is seven per cent.

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