Aldi and Lidl are continuing to perform strongly and gain market share.

Data from Kantar Worldpanel showed that in the 12 weeks to 7 October, the big four supermarkets lost market share.

Aldi’s share grew from 6.8% to 7.6%, whilst Lidl saw a growth in market share from 5.2% to 5.6% thanks to a growth in sales.

Tesco (LON: TSCO), Sainsbury’s (LON: SBRY) and Asda lost market shares, whilst Morrissons (LON: MRW) kept its 10.3% stake.

Co-op also saw an increase in growth, with market share increasing from 6.2% to 6.4%.

“Consumer spending often slows in early autumn, after the excesses of summer barbecues and before the festive season kicks off,” said Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar Worldpanel.

“The arrival of colder weather and darker evenings has inspired consumers to embrace hearty comfort foods and stock up on Sunday roast staples,” he added.

UK consumers are preparing for Christmas early, with over £4 million being spent on mince pies in September alone.

On Tesco’s new discount supermarket that hopes to take on Aldi and Lidl, McKevitt said: “the small number of stores planned means it won’t have an impact on Tesco’s market share without a significant expansion”.

The first Jack’s supermarket opened in September and promised to be the “cheapest in town”.

“We will be the cheapest in town. There are full-range, full-service supermarkets, and clearly people want that, but there is a gap in terms of people wanting smaller, simpler, quicker shops and local produce,” said Tesco’s chief executive, Dave Lewis.

Between 10 – 15 Jack’s stores will open in the next six months.