Rise in UK supermarket sales around coronation

The data showed that there was a 17.6% rise in sales during the week of the coronation of King Charles III, with shoppers buying celebratory and additional items, said NIQ, formerly known as Nielsen IQ.

Over the four-week period measured, there was a 3.8% increase in shopping occasions with a 4.9% increase in visits to stores, as shoppers continued to shop around for the cheapest prices.

Brick and mortar stores sales increased by 13.5%, with a 5.2% boost for online sales, the best growth experienced for the channel since April 2021.

NIQ found that volume sales at UK supermarkets improved to -2.6%, having improved in every month of 2023 since the low point of -6.9% in January

The highest performing categories in terms of value sales over the four-week period were bakery (up 17.9%), confectionery ( 17.9%) and dairy ( 16.5%).

During 2023, own label products have grown 14.1%, surpassing that achieved by branded products, which rose 7.1%.

Mike Watkins, UK head of retailer and business insight at NIQ, said: “With 27% of households saying that they buy extra or special items to celebrate an event or occasion, this will have helped many prioritise spending for the coronation in early May.

“While some parts of the hospitality industry are facing headwinds, there remains a strong consumer demand for dining at home, and shoppers are indulging themselves through quick grocery delivery and enjoying meals and snacks from a diverse range of rapid delivery platforms like Just Eat, Uber Eats or Deliveroo.

“Many shoppers are still looking for a special treat now and again, despite the challenges of inflation.”