Food sales increased 9.8% on a total basis and 10.0% on a like-for-like basis over the three months to April, new data reveals.
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor shows total retail sales increased by 5.1% in April, against a decline of 0.3% in April 2022.
In addition, like-for-like retail sales increased by 5.2% in April, against a decline of 1.7% in April 2022.
Susan Barratt, Chief Executive of IGD, said: “Food and drink sales in April continued the same trajectory seen in recent months; volume sales were negative and value sales were positive, driven by ongoing inflation.
In response, retailers have been stepping up their support to shoppers, with further high-profile innovation and investment in loyalty schemes in April, providing access to better prices.”
She added: “Despite rising costs, our data shows shoppers continue to prioritise health and sustainability. Some 87% of shoppers say they are trying to eat more healthily and 79% claiming the impact on the environment was important to them when choosing what food or grocery product to buy.”
Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail at KPMG, said: “Retailers will be hoping that the Coronation, coupled with a month full of bank holidays and inflation levels starting to head in the right direction, will boost consumer confidence significantly enough to start to see real, profitable growth.”
