UK retailer Waitrose has published its 2023/24 Food and Drink Report, observing a 34% increase in its own-label sausage sales.
Waitrose surveyed 2000 UK adults, finding that 32% of shoppers were turning to more classic dishes such as shepherd's pie and macaroni cheese. Potato based dishes saw an increase in sales, with the Waitrose Essential French Fries up 80% and its Essential Crinkle Cut Chips up 34%.
Consumers bought more of the traditional British banger, with the retailer reporting a 34% sales increase in Waitrose Essential Pork Sausages. During the wet summer months, sales of ready made roast potatoes and yorkshire puddings were up 47% and 39% respectively.
The supermarket reported an increased interest in foods 'high in protein', with 12% of surveyed adults claiming to have changed their diet over the past year to eat more protein. Sales of high-protein yogurts and drinks were up by 39% in-store, with cottage cheese sales up 14%.
Waitrose also observed a third of surveyed people said they had switched from eating a low fat dairy product to a full fat one. The most commonly switched product was milk, followed by yoghurt and cheese.
James Bailey, executive director of Waitrose, said: “This year, food inflation has changed not only how people shop, but also how they cook and eat. Price-conscious customers have been searching for the best value; switching more to own-label, buying bigger pack sizes and looking to our promotions to cushion their bills.
“They’ve been simplifying their meal choices and becoming a little less adventurous, choosing familiar foods and recipes they find comforting. Chicken Kyiv and beer battered fish are the most popular dishes in our Dine In Meal Deal.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
