Research firm Nielsen has said that the continued hot weather in the UK, combined with a series of major sporting events such as Wimbeldon and the British & Irish Lions Tour, has meant that consumers are spending more at Britain's supermarkets.
The amount shoppers spent on groceries during the four weeks ending 15 July 2017 was 5.1% higher versus the same period a year ago, Nielsen found. This is the highest year-on-year rise for at least four years.
This follows on from a 4.0% year-on-year rise in the previous four week period (ending 17 June 2017), with the week ending 24th June alone seeing sales rise 7.1%.
"Various factors typically drive extra spend in grocery shopping – more disposable income, more promotions, peak events and changes in weather, and lifestyle,” said Mike Watkins, Nielsen’s UK head of retailer and business insight.
Nielsen also found that shoppers mare around 4% more grocery trips to the supermarket, compared to the same period last year.
Spending More
Watkins said that the data shows the "impact that hot weather and big sporting events [has] on people’s purse strings. This combination encourages shoppers to spend more, particularly on fresh foods and to use convenience stores more often.
"With the likelihood of eating and drinking outside also increasing people are more inclined to indulge and treat themselves.”
Categories enjoying a benefit during the four-week period included ice cream (up 45%), alcohol mixers (+44%), fresh beef burgers (+29%), lemonade (+24%), cider (+19%), sparkling wines (+17%), soft drinks (+16%) and prepared salads (+16%).
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
