The total grocery market in Ireland was valued at €8.99 billion to the year ending mid September 2013 (Kantar Worldpanel). This is an increase in value of 1.2% on the previous twelve months. In contrast, the market volume was back slightly by 0.2% for the same period. In the most recent quarter consumers grocery shopping frequency has decreased by 1% but shoppers are spending more per shopping trip.
The two most important product lines in the grocery basket (by value) are fresh fruit & vegetables which make up 15% of the total value of the grocery market. The fresh produce category is currently valued at €1.25billion.
In the year ending September 2013 the value of the fresh vegetable & potato category increased due to a higher average unit price but volume is back when compared with the previous year. For the same period the value of fresh fruit sales have remained similar but volume is up by 1.7% due to an increase in the volume purchased per buyer and an increase in the shopping frequency.
Source: BordBia – Fresh Produce Retail Value Up Despite Lower Volumes
