Sales of sunscreen and ice cream have soared in the UK as families prepare for a record-breaking heatwave, according to market research firm Kantar. Sun care sales rose by 66% and ice cream by 14% in the four weeks to 10 July, with millions of pounds of extra spending expected on fans, paddling pools and water bottles.
The Met Office has predicted extreme heat across much of the UK, with temperatures reaching 40.2C at London Heathrow on Tuesday and potentially hitting 42C later. During a similar heatwave in July 2019, sales of fans, paddling pools and reusable water bottles surged, with an extra £10.9 million spent on these items in the hottest week alone.
However, grocery price rises are at a near-record 9.9%, and food bills are set to increase by £454 this year. Typical barbecue staples such as burgers, halloumi and coleslaw cost 13%, 17% and 14% more than last year, making a family barbecue £9.94 compared to £9.01 in 2021.
As food prices soar, consumers are increasingly turning to own-label products and discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. Aldi is closing in on Morrisons as the fourth largest UK supermarket chain. The Kantar analysis indicates that the pace of grocery price rises may accelerate further, hitting a record high due to ongoing supply chain issues.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, noted that with inflation at its fastest rate for 40 years, people will be 'feeling the pinch during our first restriction-free summer since 2019'. Energy and fuel costs continue to rise, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, which has also restricted wheat and maize supplies, pushing up food costs.
