Food sales increased 3.8% on a total basis and 3.3% on a like-for-like basis over the three months to August, above the 12-month total average growth of 0.8%, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
The data also reveals that food was in growth year-on-year for the month of August.
The monitor shows overall sales increased by 1.0% in August on a total basis, against an increase of 3.0% in August 2021. This is above the three-month average of 0.7% and below the 12-month average growth of 2.5%.
UK retail sales increased 0.5% on a like-for-like basis from August 2021, when they had increased 1.5%, this was above the three-month average growth of 0.1% and below the 12-month average growth of 0.7%.
Susan Barratt, chief executive of IGD, said: “Food and drink sales volumes spent the entire month of August in negative territory, with value sales propped up by the ongoing inflationary pressures that are being steadily fed through the supply chain. IGD’s latest Shopper Confidence Index data shows another record-breaking low, down six points from July. Confidence has been steadily declining over recent months, but now we can really see that people are worried about their personal finances.
“August has been dominated by increasing inflation, with talks of this going even higher, along with energy price increases. People are reacting – taking action now to try and get ahead. Our data shows that shoppers are investing more time in how they can save money by planning more and searching for value with private label options and seeking out discounts.”
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of British Retail Consortium, said: “With some predictions of inflation reaching 20% in the new year, households and retailers are preparing for a particularly tough time ahead. As retailers face into their own rising costs from all directions, they continue to do all they can to protect customers from price rises.”
