Coronavirus Flash Report - 26th September

This flash report contains:

• UK Market Context
• Summary of UK Performance
• Category Performance
• Top Manufacturers
• Bottom Manufacturers

Summary of UK Performance

• In the latest week, sales grew 4.5% on last week’s sales to £2.35b which is £211m higher than last year. The recent increases in COVID-19 cases and subsequent increased government restrictions being put in place have meant sales have increased; notably Toilet Tissues which grew 85% on last year and 59% on last week’s sales.
• With the increase in cases and with retailers communicating that they are adding restrictions on quantities of purchases, we shouldn’t see the same levels of panic buying as earlier this year but there is an expectation that sales will rise as more restrictions are introduced.
• Of the additional £211m spent in the latest week, this was driven predominantly by an increase in Grocery spend of £165m whilst £46m was spent in Non Food.
• Tobacco, Toilet Tissue, BWS, Pre-packed Fresh Cooked Meats / Fish feature in the top Sub-Category, with Toilet Tissue notably back due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and fears on lockdown. Ice Cream and Carbonates benefitted from the recent warmer weather.
• Worst performing Sub Categories remain those impacted by the continued lack of movement, so Food to Go categories; Sandwiches, In-Store Bakery Goods and Filled Rolls & Wraps as well as those impacted by closure of Deli and Fresh counters.

Overall sales grew +4.5% this week compared to last week with Grocery sales up +3.9% and Non Food sales up +6.6%. 

Top 35 Categories based on Value Change for the Latest Week