UK grocery sales soar on lockdown boost

British grocery sales rose by 14.3 per cent during the 12 weeks to May 17, the fastest rate since comparable records began in 1994, as shoppers adapted to the national lockdown, industry data shows.

Market researcher Kantar said the period included both the pre-lockdown rush to the shops in March, and eight weeks of stay-at-home advice from the government.

Industry leader Tesco's sales rose 12.7 per cent, while Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons were up 12.5 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively.