Discount food supermarkets are improving their performance as recession worries begin to bite, according to the latest market research.

Discount food supermarkets are improving their performance as recession worries begin to bite, according to the latest market research.

The last four months have seen grocers generally continue a "robust performance" while non-food retailers decline, says Taylor Nelson Sofres.

The reinvented Iceland has continued its strong run with year-on-year growth of 12%, while German-owned Aldi, up 19%, and Lidl have also both grown strongly. Danish-owned Netto, however, has grown at a slower rate than the market.

Edward Garner, director of research at TNS, commented: "The accepted wisdom is that we can postpone major and non-essential non-food purchases whereas spend on food will stay firm, particularly when bolstered by food price inflation."

Among the giants, Morrison Supermarkets improved its position in the 18 weeks to May 18.

Compared with the same period last year, it lifted market share from 11.2% to 11.4%.

Asda also came in with an improved performance, up from 16.7% to 16.9%. Sainsbury remained in third spot with a share of 16%, down from 16.3%.

Runaway leader Tesco took a 31.1% market share, just below the 31.3% recorded last year.

TNS monitors the household grocery buying habits of 25,000 demographically representative households in the UK.