Research released by Kantar on Monday shows Irish consumers continue to be hit hard by inflation in their weekly shop.

The 13.4% annual rate for the 12 weeks to the end of October means that the average grocery bill will rise from €7,019 to €7,960.

In order to avoid these cost increases, consumers are increasingly switching to supermarket own-label brands. That sector now accounts for 46% of all grocery sales in Ireland.

Dunnes remains the largest retailer in the space here, with Tesco and Supervalu holding above 20% market share each. Aldi and Lidl have just over a quarter of the market between them.

Looking at some of the trends in recent weeks, Kantar noted that pumpkin sales were well down on 2021, with only 18% of consumers purchasing one this year.

While the outlook for Christmas seems mixed, it is clear that shoppers are enjoying some early mince pies, with spending on the festive treat €220,00 ahead of where it was last year.