Impulse categories drove growth in independent convenience in the 13 weeks to 9 July, with total sales through the channel growing +5.0% in value terms, new data reveals.

Wholesale and convenience data expert TWC Group’s latest SmartView Convenience market report reveals a strong value performance for soft drinks (+15.7%), confectionery (+19.8%), and crisps, snacks and nuts (+21.0%).

Tom Fender, Development Director at TWC, said: “Despite very tough trading conditions, value sales through the independent convenience channel increased by +5% in the last 13 weeks, driven by strong growth across impulse categories, with a particularly stellar performance in the last four weeks due to the warm weather.

“Tobacco sales declined -3% but the category remains a huge footfall driver and sales of vape continue to expand rapidly. We’ve also seen modest growth coming through beers and lagers despite continued promotional activity in the supermarkets.”

SmartView Convenience from TWC, in conjunction with InTouch Group, covers independent convenience retail and wholesaler-supplied symbol stores in Great Britain.

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