UK supermarkets have had their most successful Christmas period in years, with a significant surge in consumer spending. New research released by Kantar suggests that Christmas shopping in 2023 was exceptionally strong, as customers made 488 million grocery trips in the four weeks leading up to December 24. The total spending in supermarkets during this period amounted to an impressive £13.7 billion, despite a notable fall in food price inflation to 6.7% in December, the fastest drop ever recorded by Kantar.
The average household grocery spending during the holiday season reached an all-time high of £477, signaling a significant increase of £28 compared to the previous year. This surge in spending demonstrates that, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing economic landscape, many British households still prioritized the festivities and traditional Christmas meals.
Kantar’s report described the festive trading as “a whopper,” underscoring the robust consumer demand during this period. Notably, the Friday before Christmas, December 22, witnessed the highest footfall, with over 25 million trips made to supermarkets and stores nationwide. The data also revealed a strong affinity for traditional Christmas dinner items, with increased volumes of parsnips, sprouts, potatoes, and festive meats like pigs in blankets, sausages, hams, and turkeys. The surge in sales of these seasonal favorites reflects the steadfast commitment of consumers to uphold traditional holiday customs.
Amid the boom in grocery spending, the report noted that households still experienced “pretty hefty pressures on their budgets.” This indicates an underlying challenge even amid the surge in Christmas shopping.
Interestingly, the report also indicated that the sales of meat and vegetables were particularly robust in the lead-up to Christmas. However, it’s noteworthy that not all traditional Christmas offerings saw a surge in popularity, as two festive treats experienced a decline in demand.
The notable growth in sales volumes and the record-breaking revenues illustrate the resilience of UK supermarkets and the enduring consumer enthusiasm for traditional celebrations. Despite economic pressures, consumers have shown a strong commitment to upholding time-honored traditions, making the 2023 festive season a boon for the retail sector. The robust statistics from Kantar’s report offer an insightful glimpse into consumer behavior and shopping trends during the coveted festive period, highlighting the enduring significance of Christmas to households across the UK.
