Pre-Budget caution defines the Irish supermarket shop as grocery inflation hits 4.69%

Take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 4.3% over the four weeks to 4 October 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator. Like-for-like grocery price inflation rose to 4.69%, up from 4.28% 12 weeks ago.

Shoppers made more frequent but smaller trips over the month, with store visits up 2.9% but the number of items purchased per trip down 5.7%.

Eimear Faughnan, Head of Retail for Ireland at Worldpanel by Numerator, said: “The cost of living was front of mind for shoppers in Ireland in the run-up to the latest Budget. Milder weather may have delayed the decision by many to turn on the heating, but the mood among shoppers is cautious, who are thinking carefully about what they put in their basket. They’re shopping little and often and keeping a close eye on spend.”

Irish shoppers turn to deals to keep grocery spend in check

Promotions accounted for almost 21% of grocery spend over the latest 12 weeks, with shoppers spending an additional €454 million on deals compared with last year. Irish shoppers also stocked up on over-the-counter remedies in the run-up up to flu season, with spending on promoted products in this category up 17%. At the same time, a milder-than-usual September extended the summer mood. Spending on ice cream was up by €11.8 million, while home baking declined by 15% over the latest 12 weeks.

Eimear Faughnan continued: “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.”

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 €49 million. Premium own label was the standout performer, with sales up 11.9%, equating to an additional €16.6 million in spend.

Shoppers are also getting an early start on the festive season. Branded ranges across chocolate confectionery grew by €16 million, biscuits by €15.6 million and sweets by €12.9 million as shoppers stocked up for trick-or-treaters and Christmas.

Lidl sees highest growth among all retailers

Over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes holds 24.8% market share, with year-on-year sales growth of 7.2%. Dunnes shoppers visited more often, with trips up 3.4% versus last year, while the retailer welcomed new shoppers to store. More frequent trips and new shopper recruits boosted the retailer’s performance, contributing a combined €32 million.

Tesco holds 24% of the market, with year-on-year value growth of 6.7%. Tesco experienced a boost from shoppers returning to store more often in the latest 12 weeks (+2.3%). Alongside more frequent trips, new shoppers to Tesco stores contributed an additional €19.3 million to overall performance.

SuperValu holds 18.8% share, up 3.3% on the previous 12 weeks. Leading all major retailers on trip frequency, SuperValu averages 22.8 visits per person over the latest 12 weeks, while new shoppers to store contributed €31.2 million to overall performance.

Market share for Lidl stands at 14.6%, up 8.3% versus last year, meaning the discount retailer has seen the highest growth among all retailers over the latest 12 weeks. Lidl saw existing shoppers return to store more often, while also picking up more packs per trip, and an influx of new shoppers contributed an additional €36.5 million to overall performance.

Aldi holds 10.8% market share. New shopper arrivals, alongside more frequent trips, drove an additional €13.6 million in sales.

An update on inflation

*This figure is based on over 30,000 identical products compared year-on-year in the proportions purchased by Irish shoppers and therefore represents the most authoritative figure currently available. It is a ‘pure’ inflation measure in that shopping behaviour is held constant between the two comparison periods – shoppers are likely to achieve a lower personal inflation rate if they trade down or seek out more offers.