The late Easter and the impact of the Royal Wedding bank holiday helped the grocery trade bounce back with growth of 4.8% in April.

Data from Kantar Worldpanel shows a significant improvement over March, when growth was well below inflation at 2.6%.

“The market has seen a boost this period, now growing at a far more respectable rate of 4.8% compared to the lacklustre performance we saw in March of 2.6%,” said Kantar’s Edward Garner.

“In the four weeks leading up to 15 May the year-on-year grocery growth rate actually rose to a remarkable 7.8%, bolstered largely by Easter shopping, the good weather and, of course, the Royal Wedding.”

Over the past three months Aldi again added to its record share of the market, which now stands at 3.4%. Lidl maintained its share of 2.6% in the 12 weeks to 15 May, matching an all-time high for the German discounter. Waitrose grew its share from 4.1% over a year go to 4.3% over the same period.

Garner added: “A rising tide lifts all boats and the top retailers performed well this month, buoyed by the lifted market growth rate.

“Both Tesco and Morrisons increased their market share to 30.7% and 11.9% respectively, while Sainsbury’s share remained static at 16.3%.”

Asda lost market share, down from 16.8% a year ago to 16.6%.

Read more
Asda hails 'solid' growth of 0.1% (17 May 2011)
What’s behind the amazing resurgence of discounters? (analysis; 14 May 2011)
Discount duo seize biggest-ever slice of the market (27 April 2011)