There is now increased competition between the main supermarkets on branded goods, according to the latest survey by the National Consumer Agency.
When comparing a basket of branded goods between Dunnes Stores, Superquinn and Tesco, the difference between the cheapest and dearest basket was €3.60 or 1.2%. The survey also found that the gap between Aldi and Lidl has narrowed.
It reveals that price is now the biggest factor for householders rather than convenience. On an overall basket of 22 items, the survey found Lidl the cheapest and Supervalu the most expensive.
The survey also showed a small increase in the price of groceries, but Ann Fitzgerald said she expected to see the cost dropping with inflation in the coming months.
She also said she fully understood shoppers who go up to the North, but she added that she hoped retailers would give consumers here a fair deal which would encourage them to shop locally.
The survey was carried out on January 8 and 9 and covered branded and own brand products.
