As we approach the launch of Channel Track, we are delighted to share headline performance data for the hospitality channel (UK, to 30.03.26) and the wholesaler supplied independent convenience channel (GB, to 22.03.26)
Hospitality
- Total channel sales rose by +3.1% in the 52 weeks to 30.03.26
- Independent outlets are the big winners. Sales through independent outlets grew by +4.9% in the year to 30.03.26, compared to +1.7% for outlets which are part of a chain in the same time period. Sales growth through chain outlets fell to only +0.3% in the 12 weeks to 30.03.26
- Sub-channel performance highlights some interesting variances. Sales through fast food outlets are in growth (+5.2% MAT) but even stronger in the last 12 weeks (+6.2%)
- Restaurants are seeing growth slip slightly from +3.1% MAT to +2.9% in the last 12 week
- The drop-off in sales performance is even greater in pubs/bars – growth has fallen to only +0.5% in the last 12 weeks compared to +1.6% over the last 12 months
- Coffee shops continue to perform well – sales growth was +5% across the last 12 months (although this has slightly slipped in recent months)
Independent Convenience Retail
- The sector remains under pressure. Total channel sales are in decline by -3.8%, or -4.7% excluding commission (National Lottery and payment services) and ‘other’ (non barcoded/hot keys etc) in the year to 22.03.26
- The sector’s share of total grocery transactions has slipped by 0.4% – with shoppers having increased visits to supermarkets
- There are about 3.5 billion visits to independent convenience stores (GB) with over £30 billion of sales going through the channel
- 71% of the 50,000+ c-stores in the UK are independent (symbol or unaffiliated) = 36,000 indie stores. The share of stores which are independent (71%) has not materially changed in a decade (source: ACS)
- The retail multiples’ convenience format estates are not seeing a material increase in share of transactions – only their supermarket/larger format stores are seeing transaction growth
- The profile of symbol and independent c-store shoppers is significantly skewed towards men (55% vs only 38% in supermarkets) and lower demographic shoppers (33% vs 25% in supermarkets)
- While total channel performance remains challenging, there are many brands and sub sectors growing sales. Please refer to our recent webinar for more information
We will update channel performance figures monthly and quarterly going forward.
Channel Track combines the credit and debit card spend data of 10.2 million UK consumers with 70,000 consumer research interviews to provide a new and totally unique data and insight service for the wholesale / route to market channel. Channel Track tracks consumers’ usage and opinions across both retail and foodservice – including small basket missions in supermarkets and online ordering/delivery.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
