Sam Clough

🚀 The UK food and drink industry is evolving fast, are you ready for 2026? IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution)'s new UK Trends 2026 reports reveal what’s next for the industry’s key markets, helping you gain insight, spot opportunities, and plan strategically for a competitive year ahead. 🛒 Grocery: understand how value, health, and sustainability will reshape retail. 🧍‍♀️Shoppers: gain insights into how cost, sustainability, experiences, trust, and wellness are driving choices. 📊 Away From Home: discover the forces shaping dining out, from cost pressures to sustainability and tech-driven experiences. 🥪 Food To Go: learn how convenience, health, and elevated experiences will define on-the-go eating. Full reports are available to Retail Analysis, ShopperVista or Away From Home subscribers — and non-subscribers can access a free Highlights summary to explore the key takeaways. 👉 Read our article to learn more about our four new reports and access downloads: https://apo.sc/ol1qe #FoodAndDrink #UKFoodIndustry #FoodTrends #RetailTrends #AwayFromHome

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🍓 Chilled coffee, strawberries and suncare shine – even as Scotland’s summer stays mild. Take-home grocery sales in Scotland rose by 3.0% in the four weeks to 13 July 2025, as inflation climbed to 5.2%. With shoppers feeling the pinch, we’re seeing more deliberate choices: average spend per trip is up 5.0%, while volume per trip has dipped 1.8%. Despite cooler weather, seasonal staples saw strong growth. Strawberry volumes jumped 24.1% – no doubt helped by Wimbledon – while suncare sales surged by 69.6%. Ice cream and sorbet gained popularity too, up 13.3%, pointing to shifting summer preferences. Shoppers are still seeking quality with value, as premium own-label surged by 26.4%, far outpacing brands. Own-label overall now contributes £41 million more than branded goods to the Scottish market. 🛒 Online remains the fastest-growing channel in Scotland, up 10.5%, now holding 7.7% market share. Want to see how these trends fit into the wider GB grocery market? Read our latest GB Grocery Market Share report: https://lnkd.in/gVM7yCCU Or listen to our bite-sized briefing here: https://lnkd.in/g4ey45b4 #ScottishGroceryMarketLandscape #Grocery #RetailTrends #MarketShare #ConsumerInsights

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Latest British Grocery Market Share data is out...and inflation is back, now running at more than 5%. Nearly two thirds of households are very concerned about the price of groceries. In better news, the sun shone and people celebrated both traditionally (strawberries & cream) and found new drinks (iced coffee, kombucha). Read the full story https://shorturl.at/WqqXM

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🍓 Chilled coffee, strawberries and suncare shine – even as Scotland’s summer stays mild. Take-home grocery sales in Scotland rose by 3.0% in the four weeks to 13 July 2025, as inflation climbed to 5.2%. With shoppers feeling the pinch, we’re seeing more deliberate choices: average spend per trip is up 5.0%, while volume per trip has dipped 1.8%. Despite cooler weather, seasonal staples saw strong growth. Strawberry volumes jumped 24.1% – no doubt helped by Wimbledon – while suncare sales surged by 69.6%. Ice cream and sorbet gained popularity too, up 13.3%, pointing to shifting summer preferences. Shoppers are still seeking quality with value, as premium own-label surged by 26.4%, far outpacing brands. Own-label overall now contributes £41 million more than branded goods to the Scottish market. 🛒 Online remains the fastest-growing channel in Scotland, up 10.5%, now holding 7.7% market share. Want to see how these trends fit into the wider GB grocery market? Read our latest GB Grocery Market Share report: https://lnkd.in/gqqG7-WM Or listen to our bite-sized briefing here: https://lnkd.in/g3cvX4FF #ScottishGroceryMarketLandscape #Grocery #RetailTrends #MarketShare #ConsumerInsights

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Kantar's latest British Grocery Market Share update included record post 2020 footfall, food for though on the impact of GLP-1, higher inflation (again), and shoppers turning to fruit in the sunshine. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/eCr7Dvxf

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📢 NIQ's UK February Total Till headlines are live: 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Industry growth has slowed as Consumer Confidence drops and units fall by -0.8%. 📈 Shoppers spent £16,2b in 4 weeks to 21/02/26 which is a +2.3% growth on a year ago but growth is down on last month 💻 However, eComm Grocery Multiples still seeing strong growth of +9% Stay tuned this week for more detail. #retailinsights #consumerinsights #TheFullView NielsenIQ

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There is effectiveness sense in nonsense. This was one of the insights that Ipsos in the UK's Eleanor Thornton-Firkin and Samira Brophy shared to close out MAD//FEST North from the new MISFITS Stories publication. Drawing on a dataset of 15,000 ads evaluated with sales validated metrics, we have identified that humour delivers a x2.7 higher effectiveness lift when framed in the illogical and unexpected. This finding speaks to how the audience of advertising wants to be played with, wants their expectations subverted, their assumptions to be denied, because they're typically looking for escapism and entertainment, not an ad. If you'd like to find out more about the findings in MISFITS Stories you can access it for free in the link in the comments. Follow me for data and insights in creative effectiveness. We are Ipsos #CreativeExcellence and we support the world's leading advertisers to harness creativity in their ads to spark brand growth.

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Grocery price #inflation in Great Britain rose to 4.7% in June, up +0.6% from May. As it creeps higher, we're starting to see more pronounced changes in behaviour: even more shopping at discounters, even more private label purchases, and if it rises much further, we'll likely see volume reductions as shoppers cut back on certain categories to manage spending. But there's one thing British shoppers won't compromise on: strawberries. Consumers bought 2,400 packs of strawberries every minute over the past four weeks. For the full #grocerymarketshare update: https://lnkd.in/ewTJEabP Source: Worldpanel by Kantar GB FMCG Purchase Panel Fraser McKevitt

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Eye-opening findings from our new Value for Money Study. Great read for anyone working in brand, strategy or consumer insight.

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The era of vibes is over. Culture has been pushed out of taste & into risk-management where a night out is being assessed like a commitment with downside. 56% feel personally secure, but 58% think the UK economy is worsening (up from 43% in early 2025). Only 13% expect to spend more on discretionary items in 2026; 27% expect to spend less; 42% plan no big-ticket purchases in Q1. That’s a public that expects the terms to change on them. But demand doesn’t disappear, it just recentres around one scarce good: certainty. Certainty that it’ll be worth it. Certainty the contract is clean. Certainty the night won’t be a hassle. Look at the value rupture when 58% believe entertainment no longer offers the same value for money; only 27% think quality has improved over the past decade. When value is contested, people stop buying categories (exhibition / show / gig) and start buying proof (this specific thing for this price won’t leave me feeling regret). At the same time, trust is falling across the whole consumer economy: 84% respond negatively to shrinkflation; 71% lose trust after an unexpected bank charge, which isn’t just minor grumpiness, it’s a market where the default assumption is: the deal will get worse after you commit. When that becomes normal, discretionary spend becomes defensive. Any friction then becomes lethal. Time is tight, coordination is hard, tolerance is low. Queues, unclear starts, hidden fees, confusing tiers, surprise crowding - these aren’t things you put up with anymore; they’re decision-killers because they add downside without adding payoff & in that environment, the rational strategy is optionality: delay commitment, reduce exposure, choose the offer with the cleanest contract. This is why the market splits. Aggregate experience spend can rise while lots of culture feels fragile. Money is still flowing toward experiences in aggregate: London experiences were 34% of spending (H1 2024); 18–34s spend 67% more on experiences than average; summer 2024 saw £178bn spent on memorable experiences. But it’s flowing toward experiences with high signal (obvious payoff, strong proof, low ambiguity) & toward offers with named outcomes (wellness is the clearest example: UK health/beauty at £30.4bn, 56 consecutive months of growth; ~£324 per person in 2025). Outcome-markets win in precautionary conditions because the pay-off is clear: I will feel better / I will have done something / this will make sense for the cost. Pay now, decide later whether it was worth it is a luxury few are willing to buy. Welcome to the rise of the uncertainty premium. Ambiguity, friction & distrust now act as a regressive tax on participation & you can’t programme your way out of that with more content. The variable that changed is the purchase logic: people now screen for regret like they screen for price & in a defensive market, the most valuable asset you can offer is a clean contract. 📸 Ballie Ballerson Credit: Irma Arrowsmith

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This is so true Gemma Baldwin. We're seeing this shift in value economics play out across so many sectors, from grocery to home improvement (where our recent 'Changing Rooms Changing Minds' study revealed value for money to be twice as influential as price when purchasing items for the home). Consumers arent simply satisfied with low cost, they’re becoming increasingly savvy, making smarter and more intentional decisions. Gone are the days of promotion, promotion, promotion - brands can't rely on discounting forever. We need to look at new strategies, unique angles and a clear point of difference to bring true value back. In the home improvement sector for example, people are prioritising durability, energy efficiency, and design that lasts. It’s less about cutting back, more about making every pound work harder. I love the idea of emotional ROI - if a product brings joy, saves time, or just feels worth it, that’s a win in today’s market #relishresearch #consumerinsight #brandstrategy #marketing

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🚀 The UK food and drink industry is evolving fast, are you ready for 2026? IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution)'s new UK Trends 2026 reports reveal what’s next for the industry’s key markets, helping you gain insight, spot opportunities, and plan strategically for a competitive year ahead. 🧍‍♀️Shopper perspective: gain insights into how cost, sustainability, experiences, trust, and wellness are driving choices. 📖 Read the highlights today, available for everyone https://apo.sc/bhl4w 📥 Full report is available for Shopper Vista subscribers https://apo.sc/w00q4 #FoodAndDrink #UKFoodIndustry #FoodTrends #RetailTrends #AwayFromHome

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With UK inflation creeping up again to 3.6% in June, and essentials like food and transport leading the charge, we’re seeing a familiar pattern—but with a very unfamiliar twist. Instead of just “buying cheap,” consumers are becoming more pragmatic, intentional, and empowered. They’re narrowing focus to what they can control—making trade-offs, yes, but doing so with a sharp eye on value, longevity, and emotional ROI, not just price tags. 🟠Private-label isn’t always the winner—consumers are choosing brands that deliver durability, quality, and trust, even if they cost more. 🟠Small luxuries remain resilient—items that bring joy or restore a sense of normalcy are still being purchased, even as bigger-ticket spending slows. 🟠Value ≠ Cheap—shoppers are looking at “total value”: Does it last? Does it save me time later? Does it feel worth it? So what does this mean for brands and retailers? ✔Communicate Total Value, Not Just Price: If your product lasts longer, saves time, or supports wellbeing, say so. Functional + emotional benefits are both part of the “value” equation. ✔Help Consumers Feel Smart: Empower them with transparency, comparison tools, and loyalty nudges that reinforce good decision-making. ✔Be Pragmatically Aspirational: This is not about escapism—it’s about optimism grounded in reality. Show that your brand understands trade-offs and respects them. In times of economic pressure, we often expect panic and compromise. But what we’re seeing now is discernment. This isn't the age of frugality. It's the age of informed prioritisation. Get in touch to find out how we can help transform your brand challenges into opportunities 👉 gemma@wearerelish.com #RelishResearch #inflation #consumerbehaviour #insights #value

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Unlocking growth in 2026 starts with understanding how people really eat and drink. Here are our 8 predictions for the year ahead - grounded in real consumption behaviour across millions of occasions. Want to learn more? Get in touch: https://lnkd.in/epDhJpNm #ConsumerInsights #UsageData #RetailInsights #BrandGrowth #Innovation

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Take-home grocery sales reached a record £13.8 billion in the four weeks to 28 December 2025, up 3.8% year on year, according to our new data. Grocery inflation eased slightly to 4.3%, offering modest relief over the festive period, with households spending an average of £476 - £15 more than last Christmas🎄 Spending on promotions and deals reached 33.3% of sales, up from 32% last year, and the highest proportion since before the pandemic, as households capitalised on widespread retailer offers. Supermarkets’ premium own label lines exceeded £1 billion in sales for the first time in December, appearing in 92% of shoppers’ baskets, with the highest spend seen in fresh meat and chilled snacks such as finger food, dips and antipasti. Alcoholic drinks for December’s festive moments were purchased by three quarters of British shoppers, while the low and no-alcohol category, saw a 14% rise in spend. Read the article and explore the full data: https://lnkd.in/eYp5wj8H Or listen to our bite-sized briefing here: https://lnkd.in/e8HAVtVw #Worldpanel #GroceryMarketShare #Christmas

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Mariah’s defrosted. Mince pies are back. And most brands are baubles-deep in Christmas campaigns. But while everyone’s chasing festive peaks, Q1 might be the real opportunity no one’s talking about. Many brands have already turned on the Christmas lights and Q4 campaigns are in full swing. But I’m not convinced consumers live neatly in “season mode”. Yes, UK retail sales drop in January, but most brands go dark just when they should be building bridges to Q2. Consumers are 24/7, always-on, yet many marketing strategies still rely on one-dimensional seasonal peaks. The risk? Focus only on peaks, and you lose momentum, making you less relevant in the long-run. Here’s how I’m thinking about the next three months: 1. Keep showing up: consistency beats seasonality - Even if you layer spend around Christmas, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday (or the full works), maintain visibility in quieter moments too. - Spending may dip, but engagement doesn’t stop. People are still scrolling, considering, and building mental shortlists. - If you ghost them in January, you won’t be on that shortlist when they’re ready to buy in March. 2. Refresh your message, not your media spend - Avoid blasting everyone with the same “New Year, New You” messaging. Consumers are drowning in it. - Retarget with distinctive, relevant comms (you should know your consumer well enough to be relevant). - Even if you’re not a January brand, this is your moment to tell stories, add value, and build community. - Give consumers the same energy & love whether they’re buying or not. 3. Focus on momentum metrics, not just sales - Be brave enough NOT to measure success in January by sales. The real value is what you’re building for Q2 and beyond. - Instead, track brand lift, engagement, recruitment, consideration, and share of voice… (especially if competitors go quiet). - Measure the drumbeat you’re creating; when consumers are ready to spend, you want to be the first name they think of (while competitors are just switching the lights on again). When marketing is this fragmented, seasonal thinking feels like a hangover from the old ATL days when iconic TV spots ruled the marketing conversation. Now, it’s an opportunity to talk to your consumer in more relevant ways, especially when competitors aren’t. If you ask me (I know you didn’t, but that’s LinkedIn for you), the brands winning in 2025 won’t be the ones with the flashiest Q4 campaigns. They’ll be the ones still showing up with relevance in January and February. What do you think? - Are seasonal spikes still as dominant as they used to be? - Is this just the divide between big-budget brands and start-ups? - Or are brands already running truly effective always-on plans?

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🤔🛒 How important is sustainability when consumers are choosing what ends up in their basket? Our latest Grocery Eye report is out and looks at how consumers attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability are evolving, focusing on areas of sustainability, messaging and touchpoints to leverage across generations. 📘Download the full report, link in comments.

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