Irish consumers are flocking to Aldi and Lidl as they feel the pinch of the recession. The German discounters now have a combined market share of 13.6% according to the latest figures from data consultants Kantar.

The research shows in the last 3 months Aldi has attracted 100,000 new shoppers, while Lidl has brought in 62,000.

Meanwhile the two biggest players in the sector - Tesco and Dunnes - saw their market share fall by 2.6% and 1.3% respectively.

The reseach says Aldi is now the number five retailer in Ireland with a 6% share of the market and is closing the gap on Lidl. Lidl has seen a moderate growth of 0.1 percentage points to 6.6%, although its 1% growth rate is the lowest it has posted this year.

Kantar says the value of the Irish grocery market has fallen by 0.5%, with trend is further demonstrated by consumers choosing to shop more often for fewer items.

While the grocery market as a whole remains subdued, there are still some areas that are performing well. Sales of alcohol at the grocers have grown by 8% this quarter, showing that staying in and having a drink is an increasingly popular choice for those of us who are on a budget.

Editor of Checkout Magazine is Stephen Wynne-Jones. He says it is down to more than just bargain-hunting.