UK shoppers are increasingly opting for premium products this Christmas, with premium own-label spending nearing 7%.
- Sainsbury’s reports robust sales in their premium range, particularly in festive liqueurs and sandwiches.
- Asda introduces innovative festive foods, expecting significant sales in traditional comfort meals with a twist.
- Tesco expands its premium range, offering new and improved holiday products and luxury gifts.
- Waitrose and M&S highlight their top-selling festive treats, from traditional items to creative holiday offerings.
As the holiday season approaches, UK consumers are focusing on upgrading their traditional shopping lists with premium selections. Recent data from Kantar suggests a substantial shift towards premium own-label products, with the proportion of spending in this category climbing towards 7%. Sainsbury’s has seen considerable success with its festive offerings, including its Taste the Difference Festive Liqueurs which have enjoyed an 89% uplift in sales compared to the previous month.
At Sainsbury’s, the introduction of unique items such as Ice Ice Bao-By penguins, whose flavor profiles intrigue consumers, and the premium Festive Porchetta Sandwich, which has garnered excellent reviews, illustrates their commitment to offering innovative products. Asda is taking a different approach by focusing on traditional favorites reimagined. Their Exceptional Handmade Bone Marrow in Beef Pie features a rich butter puff pastry and slow-cooked Aberdeen Angus beef, set to be a favorite this year.
Another standout from Asda is the Exceptional Sirloin Steak Fondue with Wykes Farm Vintage Cheddar Bake, appealing to comfort food enthusiasts. Asda’s newly launched Exceptional Afternoon Sea and other items like the Melt in the Middle Camembert & Pork Pie are expected to draw interest.
Tesco’s strategy involves enhancing its Finest Chef’s Collection, which has doubled in size, introducing new products such as the Morello Cherry & Chocolate Delice, alongside expanding their gifting options. The inclusion of 30-Day Matured Beef Wellington in their Festive Food to Order range signifies the addition of premium and exclusive choices for consumers.
In the case of Waitrose, traditional items like No.1 British Free Range Pork Chipolatas Wrapped in Bacon have seen sales soar by 108% from the previous year. Additionally, their No.1 Golden Limoncello Stollen Bites and Red Velvet Bauble Dessert are noteworthy innovations reflective of current consumer trends.
M&S leverages festive philanthropy by donating a portion of sales from popular options like the Christmas and Turkey Feast sandwiches to support homelessness causes. The retailer’s unique offerings like the Mince Pie Liqueur, presented in an innovative light-up bottle, and the Nocciolato Panettone resonate well with shoppers.
The trend towards premium selections reflects consumers’ evolving preferences this festive season across UK supermarkets.
