Lidl snaps up market share as rival Aldi stalls

Lidl is the fastest-growing grocer in the UK, new figures suggest, as the discount supermarket grabs more market share while its rivals stall. The German discounter held 8.6 per cent of the UK’s grocer market in the 12 weeks to October, according to Worldpanel by Numerator, up from 8.2 per cent a year ago. This makes Lidl the UK’s only supermarket which is actively growing its hold on the market, and comes as the grocer sets out plans to tighten its grip on British shoppers. Lidl’s sales are 7.1 per cent higher than the same time last year, driven by growth in categories including fruit, vegetables and wine. During the period, the grocer saw half a million more visits than at the same time last year. Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, told City AM: “Of the 38 grocery sectors we measure, Lidl is growing ahead of the market in 28. It’s always the large sectors that really move the dial for a retailer’s growth, and Lidl is performing well in