New Kantar data shows that grocery sales were £524m higher in April 2020 than they were in April 2019, as British consumers adapted to life under lockdown. But the number of trips to supermarkets during that time hit a record low of 14 (compared to 17 when it’s business as usual), with the drop in frequency offset by average basket sizes which hit their highest levels ever.

Meanwhile, convenience stores increased sales by 39% in April, accounting for 16.3% of the market. Hopefully some of this increase in sales found its way into your tills.

A survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub found that more than a quarter (26%) of people said they are buying better quality food as they are not going out or spending money on other things. And more than a third (34%) of people are supporting smaller/local businesses more than ever before.

Interestingly, 29% said they were using their local shop/convenience store for the first time. That figure amazes me how on earth can so many people have never used their local shop? However, the fact that more people are finding these little gems is great news.

Even better news is that Hubbub found that the majority (89%) of people who’ve made changes to their shopping habits say they will continue to use at least one of their new shopping alternatives to supermarkets once lockdown restrictions have ended.

More than 40% said they will carry on using their local shop, 20% their local butcher, 13% their local farm shop and 15% their local greengrocer. I don’t know where these people who were surveyed live, but I think they’re very lucky to still have a local butcher or greengrocer. But what I’d give for a local baker!

It seems lockdown has turned us into an even bigger nation of bakers, with 40% of people surveyed by Kantar saying they are now doing more home baking.

Sales of sugar and suet are soaring and if you can get your hands on flour well you’re a very lucky person indeed.

I haven’t succumbed to the home baking trend yet, but it’s only a matter of time and time is all some of us have got! Stay safe.

Topics