Healthy eating was a major trend in the UK grocery market in 2017, with fresh fruit and free-from being two of the fastest-growing categories, according to a study by Nielsen.
UK shoppers spent £176.4 million more on fresh fruit this year than in 2016 (+3.8%), while sales of free-from products, such as items without gluten or dairy, rose by £146.6 million (+18.7%).
Drinks were another key driver of growth during the year, with increases seen in sales of spirits (+3.8%), sparkling wine (+10.7%), and ale and stout (+6%).
“Despite rising prices, shoppers still want to treat themselves with good quality and healthier food, but also indulging and enjoying oneself by drinking and dining more at home,” said Ian Mansley, Nielsen's head of grocery analytics.
“Supermarkets have done a good job at protecting shoppers from the brunt of rising costs, however, it’s still been an anxious year for households about their grocery bills.”
Grocery Trends
In terms of the fastest-growing grocery products of 2017, Budweiser came out on top, with UK shoppers spending an extra £49.2 million on the beer brand this year.
This was followed by energy drink Monster (up £31.3 million), avocados (up £29.8 million), Barefoot wine (up £28.5 million), and Coca-Cola (up £27.7 million).
Looking ahead to 2018, Mansley says that shoppers will continue to "economise but not compromise."
"They still want good quality food and drink but expect good value for money," he added. "Product manufacturers that deliver against these expectations will be the ones flying high.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
