Waitrose kicks off a ‘Scrumptious Summer’

Total sales excluding fuel at Waitrose & Partners were down 3.1% last week (to Saturday May 25) compared with the same week last year when sales were boosted due to the warmer weather, according to the supermarket chain.

Finance director Ross Avery commented: “On the back of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show [held from May 21 to May 25], customers were keen to be in the garden, with sales of outdoor plants up by 21%. And sales of English and Welsh wine were on the rise as we looked forward to English Wine Week [May 25 to June 2].

“With the slightly cooler weather, tea and soups were up 14% and 5% respectively. World foods such as curry kits and pasta sauces also had a good week – up 11% – as customers opted for classic comfort foods.

“Our Scrumptious Summer range kicks off in-store this week, with over 200 products focusing on the very best seasonal food for the summer season, taking inspiration from nostalgic ingredients and classic British flavours.”

Waitrose & Partners’ Scrumptious Summer Raspberry Trifle Ice Cream