Warm weather, rising prices boost UK grocers - TNS

LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Britain's grocery market
continued to grow strongly in the 12 weeks to July 12, with
sales rising 5.9 percent on the same time last year, helped by
good weather and rising food prices, a survey showed on Tuesday.

TNS Worldpanel said Wm Morrison Supermarkets (MRW.L),
Britain's fourth-biggest grocer, was the fastest growing of the
big four chains, with sales rising 9.5 percent year-on-year.

It was followed by industry number two Asda (WMT.N) on 8.1
percent and number three J Sainsbury (SBRY.L) 7.7 percent.

Tesco (TSCO.L), Britain's biggest retailer, lagged on 5.7
percent.

Upmarket chain Waitrose [JLP.UL] continued its recent
resurgence with growth of 8.2 percent, while growth rates at
discounters like Aldi and Lidl continued to moderate.

Grocery price inflation was 5.9 percent over the 12 weeks,
down 3.2 percentage points since March, TNS Worldpanel said.

Following is a summary of market share and salres results
findings:

12 wks to 12 wks to pct change

12/07/09 13/07/08
Total till roll
(mln stg) 29,246 28,327 3.2
Total grocers
(mln stg) 21,852 20,639 5.9
Total multiples
(mln stg) 21,370 20,105 6.3
Market share in percent

12 wks to 12 wks to pct change

12/07/09 13/07/08 in sales
Tesco 30.8 30.9 5.7
Asda 17.0 16.7 8.1
Sainsbury 16.0 15.7 7.7
Morrison 11.6 11.2 9.5
Co-op/Somerfield 8.2 9.0 -3.9
Waitrose 3.9 3.8 8.2
Aldi 3.0 2.9 8.3
Lidl 2.4 2.3 6.8
Iceland 1.7 1.7 6.9

(Reporting by Mark Potter)