Tesco has seen growth for the first time since 2013, according to the latest Irish supermarket share figures.

Kantar Worldpanel says this is thanks in part to a boost from back to school shoppers.

Lidl has posted the strongest sales - growing well ahead of the market - with an increase of 9.5%, closely followed by Dunnes which grew sales by 5.2%.

The market has now grown consecutively for 18 months, the longest period of sustained growth since October 2013.

In the latest period, Tesco - Ireland's biggest supermarket - has returned to growth for the first time since March 2013.

Georgieann Harrington, insight director at Kantar, explains: "After an unprecedented period of decline, Tesco has posted growth of 0.3%. This is the first time sales have increased for the retailer since early 2013".

"Making the most of the back to school season, the grocer has seen its spend from families with children...increase by 4%. A modest increase in shopper numbers overall has certainly played a part in Tesco's recovery, and its customers are also buying more products per shop in the latest period, helping to boost the retailer's performance".

Meanwhile, discount retailer Lidl posted the strongest sales for the past 12 weeks, growing well ahead of the market with an increase of 9.5%. It was closely followed by Dunnes, which grew sales by 5.2%.

Kantar says: "Getting shoppers through the doors continues to be the biggest driver of growth for Lidl, with 40,000 new customers visiting the retailer this year".

While Dunnes' strong performance continues - shoppers now spend almost €50 more than they did last year.

Aldi's growth of 3.6% is ahead of the market, with the retailer improving its share by 0.2 percentage points to 8.7%.

And SuperValu's growth continues at a slower pace, but the retailer maintains second position, with 24.3% of market share.