September Sees Slower Food Sales Growth Due to Wet Weather

As outlined in September Sees Slower Food Sales Growth Due to Wet Weather, food sales rose by 3.1% year-on-year over the three months to September, but this was a drop from the 7.4% growth seen in September 2023 and below the 12-month average growth of 4.4%.

Sarah Bradbury, CEO of IGD, noted: “Growth in the grocery retail market slowed with the arrival of autumn. While September’s sales were up compared to last year, the pace of growth declined versus August, likely due to the wet weather and cautionary economic signals from the government.”

Despite this, UK total retail sales saw their strongest growth in six months, driven by better-than-expected non-food performance, according to BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson. Retail sales overall increased by 2% year-on-year, exceeding the three-month average growth of 1.2%.

Bradbury also warned that while shopper confidence remained stable in September, concerns about the upcoming Autumn Budget and rising energy prices could dampen consumer sentiment. Helen Dickinson called for decisive action from the Chancellor, suggesting that measures like a 20% Retail Rates Corrector could boost investment and spur economic growth across the UK.