New demand data from Ocado Retail shows that sales of items associated with winter dishes have leapt over the past two weeks following a cool, wet start to July.
Compared to the same week 12 months ago, year-on-year sales of Ocado own brand roast chickens were up by 24%, while M&S whole chicken sales increased by 42%. Meanwhile, week-on-week sales of beef joints were up by 7%, while burgers – a key summer barbeque item – were down by 15%.
Demand for classic roast trimmings has also rocketed, with sales of gravy up by 41% against the same week last year and stuffing increasing by 40%. Meanwhile, searches for Yorkshire puddings increased by 209%, while searches for festive favourite pigs in blankets soared by 215% week-on-week.
Soup has also become significantly more popular amid the cool summer weather. Fresh soup sales are up by 35% over the past month when compared to last year, while demand for tinned soup has risen by 42%.
Lucy Laister, beef buyer at Ocado Retail, said: “At this time of year, we expect sales of summer barbeque staples, but the dreary weather has seen an explosion of interest in wintery selections such as roasting joints of meat and soup too. Sales of soup at this time of year are typically around 50% of autumn months, but we have seen that grow to 65% as customers look for more comforting lunch options.”
