While the weather hasn’t been roasting, the nation’s food choices have been, according to new supermarket sales figures.
New demand data from Ocado Retail, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, shows that sales of items associated with hearty winter dishes have leapt over the past two weeks following a cold, wet start to July in which some parts of the UK – including the All England Club – have already received a month’s worth of rainfall.
Compared to the same week 12 months ago, year on year sales* of Ocado own brand roast chickens are up by 24% while M&S whole chicken sales increased by 42%. Meanwhile, week on week sales of beef joints are up by 7%, while burgers – perhaps the most iconic summer barbeque item – are down by 15%. Burgers ordinarily sell very strongly in the summer and are expected to pick up again this weekend with the warmer weather and Euro 2024 final taking place.
Demand for classic roast trimmings have also rocketed, with sales of gravy up by 41% against the same week last year and stuffing increasing by 40%. Meanwhile, searches** for Yorkshire puddings, a vital partner to roast beef, increased by 209%, while searches for festive favourite pigs in blankets soared by 215% week on week.
Soup has also become significantly more popular as Brits contend with temperatures several degrees colder than usual. Fresh soup sales are up by 35% over the past month when compared to last year, while demand for tinned soup has risen by 42%.
Despite the rain at SW19 however, Wimbledon favourites strawberries and cream remain as popular as ever for people tuning in from home, with sales up 1% and 4% week on week.
Lucy Laister, beef buyer at Ocado Retail said: “At this time of year we expect sales of summer barbeque staples, but the dreary weather has seen an explosion of interest in wintery selections such as roasting joints of meat and soup too. Sales of soup at this time of year are typically around 50% of autumn months, but we have seen that grow to 65% as customers look for more comforting lunch options.
“At Ocado we pride ourselves on our unbeatable range so are well placed to serve our customers, whether they are craving a roast or are committing to barbecuing in the rain.”
If you’re sticking with summer essentials, explore Ocado’s full summer range here and their wider range can be found at Ocado.com.
