Britons spent £2.8 billion at supermarkets over the week of the Coronation, with custard, cream and champagne among the products seeing the biggest jump in sales.
According to NielsenIQ, the amount spent over the weekend was higher than in the week of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee in nominal terms, but was less after adjusting for inflation.
The fastest increase in sales was for party accessories, which more than doubled. Cream, custard, champagne and sparkling wine followed, with growth of more than 70%.
But looking at the wider picture, NielsenIQ noted that the week before the coronation included more purchases of frozen goods, suggesting an impact from the cost-of-living crisis.
Mike Watkins, NIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said: “The latest figures show that despite many being financially constrained in the cost-of-living crisis, shoppers still allowed themselves to indulge in additional groceries and treats so they could celebrate the Coronation and long weekend.
“However, this is a balancing act - while one week they are allowing themselves to indulge, the weeks in between still indicate cost-saving measures, such as stocking up on frozen goods or ambient - shelf stable - goods that are cheaper and last longer. The Coronation has added a welcome boost to grocery sales, with many shoppers taking advantage of retailers’ discounts and other incentives.”
