Top stories in the papers this week 8 – 15 January 2013
Dunnes Stores increases market share; Tesco turns a corner in UK with solid sales; Food and drink exports surpass €9 billion
Print15 January 2013
1. Dunnes Stores increases market share
Dunnes Stores has increased its share of the Irish grocery market over the Christmas period from 23.9% to 24.3% and is posting sales growth of 1.9%, well ahead of the market growth rate of 0.3%. ShelfLife reports Kantar Worldpanel statistics for the 12 weeks ending 23 December 2012, also show Aldi continues to post exceptional sales growth of 30% and its share has overtaken Lidl for the first time.
2. Tesco turns a corner in UK with solid sales
Shares in Tesco have jumped after the retailer posted solid Christmas sales. The Irish Independent reports that the company has been rolling out a £1bn (€1.2bn) overhaul of its British division since last year. It said that like-for-like sales in the six weeks to 5 January rose 1.8% – the strongest performance in over three years. It was buoyed by promotional activity and an increase in sales from Tesco’s own ‘Everyday’ and ‘Finest’ product ranges.
3. Food and drink exports surpass €9 billion
The value of Irish food and drink exports in 2012 surpassed €9 billion for the first time, Bord Bia data shows. ShelfLife reports the strongest performing categories were meat and livestock (€3 billion), seafood (€493 million) and beverages (€1.26 billion). "The continued diversification into new and emerging markets, benefitting further from favourable exchange rates, should be welcomed with exports to Asia up by 75% since 2010," said Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter.
4. Irish products holding their own among top brands
The Irish Times reports on the high number of Irish food suppliers who currently supply the food halls of Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum and Mason in the UK. The list of products available at the distinguished stores include Coole Swan Irish cream liquor, Mellas’s Fudge, G’s Gourmet Jams, Cashel Blue Cheese, Mileeven honey and Glenilen yoghurt. Several suppliers reveal their experiences of working with the high-end retailers.
5. Sales slump at Marks and Spencer
Sales at Marks and Spencer slumped in the third quarter, as it opted out of the discount-driven market and offered fewer promotions. The Irish Times reports that in the 13 weeks to 29 December, revenues fell by 3.8%, the largest decline since 2011, although food sales at stores open at least a year rose by 0.3%, according to a trading statement by the UK retailer. Clothing sales were "much worse than competitors," said independent retail analyst Nick Bubb.
Also:
Snacks ‘to fuel consumer spending’ (Irish Independent)
It’s tough surviving at the top, as Tesco profit warning shows (Irish Independent)
Suede high heels gave festive boost to M&S sales (Irish Independent)
Is that Chanel No 5? No, it’s Lidl’s own scent for €3.49 (Evening Herald)
Budget fears send consumer confidence plummeting (Irish Independent)
Strong sales growth for Tesco (Irish Times)
Morrisons loses market share after festive slump (Belfast Telegraph)
Boots’ profits hit €17.8m (Irish Times)
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