The latest market share figures for supermarkets show an increasingly polarised sector – with discounters and Waitrose both posting growth.

The Kantar Worldpanel statistics, released yesterday, show that Aldi saw its highest-ever growth of 31.4% in the 12 weeks ending 14 April 2013, with a record market share of 3.4%. Lidl also saw a 10% increase and now has a market share of 3%.

High-end retailer Waitrose now accounts for 4.9% of the grocery market, added Kantar.

Out of the big four it was Sainsbury’s that prospered the most with growth of 5.4% and a market share of 16.9%.

Edward Garner director at Kantar Worldpanel, said: “Pressure on household budgets is undoubtedly driving some of the growth at the discounters, but messages about quality are starting to resonate.”