Olympics boost supermarket sales, but food price inflation rises again – The Irish Times

Grocery retail sales appear to have been boosted this summer by an unprecedented number of sporting events. According to retail analyst Kantar, supermarket sales in the Republic of Ireland rose 7 percent in the four weeks to August 4. This period also included the Paris Olympics and two All-Ireland finals.

However, the period was also marked by a renewed rise in food prices. After 15 months of steady decline, food price inflation (for the 12-week period ending in early August) rose to 2.8 percent. This was still the lowest inflation level since March 2022 and a decrease of 9.7 percent from August 2023.

Kantar noted that its inflation figures are based on over 30,000 products “stated year-on-year in the quantities purchased by Irish shoppers and therefore represent the most reliable figure currently available”.

“Despite the ongoing financial pressures on consumers, we had a reason to celebrate this month. Not only were we able to enjoy the long-awaited good weather, but we were also able to cheer on our Olympic athletes,” said Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar.

“Four gold medals and our best ever Games gave us a reason to raise a glass or two and enjoy the sporting spectacle. Shoppers spent an additional €8 million on alcohol and €5 million on sweets and savoury take-away snacks,” she said.

Irish shoppers also enjoyed barbecuing, spending €367,000 more on sausages, burgers and grilled meals, €254,000 more on ice cream and €416,000 more on bottled water compared to July 2024.

Among retailers, T4sco led the way with a market share of 23.3 percent, up 8.6 percent year-on-year. “Tesco's growth was mainly driven by more frequent shopping, which contributed an additional €36.3 million to the overall result compared to last year,” Kantar said.

Dunnes Stores held a 23.2 percent market share with growth of 8.3 percent, while SuperValu held 20.2 percent. The agency said Lidl accounted for 13.8 percent of sales, while rival Aldi held 12 percent.