Aldi and Lidl had together a market share of 1,5% in 1998 against a market share of 17,7% in 2023. Almost 12 times more and that within a period of 25 years.
Change is the only constant in the UK grocery market, and it's fascinating to reflect on how it has evolved over the past 25 years. Names that once stood as cornerstones of food retailing, such as Safeway, Kwiksave, and Sommerfield, are now mere memories.
In 1998, discount retailing was dominated by Kwiksave, with a 3.4% market share, and Aldi UK and Lidl GB were just beginning their journey with a combined share of 1.5%. The top four retailers held 65.5% of the market in 1998, and interestingly, not much has changed – they still maintain 65.9%. However, what has shifted is the fact that one of these top four is now a discounter!
Online shopping, a relatively new concept in 1998, now commands 8.6% of total sales.
Source: Kantar, IGD
