Grocery prices across the main supermarkets rose by 4.69% annually in the 12 weeks to 4 October, latest figures for the sector indicate.
According to the research from Worldpanel by Numerator, the yearly inflation rate for groceries is up from 4.28% for the previous 12-week period.
However, the study notes “shoppers are likely to achieve a lower personal inflation rate if they trade down or seek out more offers”.
The Worldpanel figure for grocery inflation is considerably higher than the latest official figures from the Central Statistics Office, which found that food prices increased by just 0.4% in the year to September.
Meanwhile, according to the Worldpanel findings, consumers made “more frequent but smaller trips” in the four weeks to 4 October, with “store visits up 2.9% but the number of items purchased per trip down 5.7%”.
Overall, it estimates take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 4.3% over the period, when compared with the same four weeks in 2025.
The research indicates that promotions accounted for around a fifth (21%) of grocery spend in the three months to the first week in October, with shoppers spending an additional €454m on deals compared with last year.
In terms of market share, it found Lidl had the largest growth of any supermarket in the last year, with growth of 8.3%.
However, the figures suggest Dunnes Stores still has the largest market share at 24.8%, followed by Tesco at 24%, SuperValu at 18.8%, Lidl at 14.6% and Aldi at 10.8%.
“Special offers remain a key tool for shoppers looking to keep their grocery bills in check and make pricier items and larger packs more affordable, and the increase in promotional spending is further evidence that the focus is on value for money for many,” the Head of Retail for Ireland at Worldpanel by Numerator, Eimear Faughnan, said.
“Branded ranges held 50.9% of the market, with sales up 12.4% year on year. Own label grew at a similar pace, up 3% and adding €49m. Premium own label was the standout performer, with sales up 11.9%, equating to an additional €16.6m in spend,” she said.
Ms Faughnan also noted shoppers are “getting an early start on the festive season”.
“Branded ranges across chocolate confectionery grew by €16m, biscuits by €15.6m and sweets by €12.9m as shoppers stocked up for trick-or-treaters and Christmas,” she added.