Brits stocking up for last big BBQ, says Tesco

Brits are stocking up for what is likely to be the final big BBQ parties of the year ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

According to supermarket Tesco, typical BBQ foods such as burgers, sausages, fish and plant-based meat alternatives plus beer and wine have seen a huge surge in sales and are in high demand. The supermarket also expects to sell more wine than beer over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Across the Bank Holiday weekend, the UK’s largest retailer expects to sell more than 300,000 packs of burger, 225,000 plant-based meat alternatives, 300,000 packs of BBQ meat, 1 million packs of burger and hot dog rolls, 1.25 million packs of sausages, 2.25 million ice creams and lollies and more than 4 million bottles/cans of beer.

Earlier this year, a report from the Co-op revealed that over half of Brits (56 per cent) are more likely to have a cost-effective barbecue at home this summer, rather than spending on more expensive meals in restaurants. Therefore, barbecues have surged in popularity as Brits look to save cash when they get together with friends and families.

Tesco BBQ meat buyer Lucy Draper said: “This weekend is likely to see the last big BBQ parties of the year with schools starting up again the following week and people returning to the UK from their summer holidays.

“Also a result of a rainier than normal summer, Brits have had fewer BBQ occasions than usual to enjoy so we think many people will seize the opportunity for one last hurrah and go all out to invite family and friends over to enjoy the great outdoors.”

The news comes as Tesco has discovered that sushi is now so popular that it has overtaken the classic sandwich, becoming the UK’s fastest growing premium lunchtime main.