News

The cost of putting Christmas dinner on the table has risen slightly this year, according to new data from Worldpanel by Numerator. A traditional Christmas dinner for a family of four is estimated to cost €32.28, compared with €31.22 last year, reflecting modest but noticeable increases in seasonal food spending.

While some everyday items such as vegetables have fallen in price, higher costs for turkey and festive biscuits have pushed the overall total upwards. Despite ongoing pressure on household budgets, the research suggests that consumers remain willing to spend on Christmas favourites. Chocolate prices are up 13.5 percent year on year, yet almost a quarter of households still purchased a selection box during November.

Overall grocery price inflation eased to 6 percent in the four weeks to November, down from 6.5 percent in the previous month. This easing has encouraged shoppers to focus on a balance between quality and value rather than concentrating solely on the lowest possible price when preparing for Christmas.

Grocery sales across Ireland increased by 4.5 percent in the four weeks to 30 November, with shoppers spending an additional €56 million compared to the same period last year. At the same time, consumers spent less time in stores, with in-store visits falling by 1.3 percent, reflecting a preference for quicker, more efficient shopping trips.

According to Worldpanel by Numerator, the final days before Christmas are marked by convenience-led behaviour. Shoppers are increasingly opting for ready-made gifts, easy meal solutions and products that reduce time spent shopping, particularly as social calendars become busier. For retailers and brands, this period represents a key opportunity to capture impulse purchases, provided popular items remain well stocked.

Online grocery shopping continued to gain ground, growing by 6.7 percent year on year and accounting for 6.2 percent of total grocery sales by value. Irish consumers spent an additional €14.4 million online during the period, supported by larger baskets and more frequent online trips. Nearly 18 percent of households chose to buy groceries online, highlighting the continued shift towards digital channels.

In terms of market share, Dunnes Stores remains the largest supermarket chain with 24.8 percent of the market, supported by strong growth in larger and more frequent shopping trips. Tesco follows closely with a 24 percent share, driven by an increase in new customers. SuperValu holds 19.3 percent of the market, benefitting from high visit frequency, while Lidl recorded the fastest growth at 9.4 percent year on year. Aldi also saw gains, supported by increased store visits and new shoppers.

For households and businesses alike, the figures underline how spending patterns continue to evolve. Even in a higher-cost environment, consumers are adapting their behaviour rather than abandoning seasonal traditions.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.