Symbol and independent convenience stores are gaining ground in a cautious grocery market, with sales rising 4.4% year on year over the 12 weeks to 4 October, outpacing the 1.7% growth recorded across all grocers, according to data from Worldpanel by Numerator released today (Oct 13).
The channel’s market share also edged up from 1.8% to 1.9%, even as grocery price inflation climbed to 2.5%, keeping pressure on household budgets.
According to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerato, take-home sales at the grocers increased by 1.0% in the four weeks to 4 October 2026 compared with a year ag. Like-for-like grocery price inflation rose to 2.5%, compared to the 2.3% reported 4 weeks ago.
Commenting on the latest figures, Fraser McKevitt, Head of Retail and Consumer Insight at Worldpanel by Numerator, said: “With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on the minds of shoppers.
"And the cost of filling up a car is only adding to the pressure on household budgets. More than half tell us they’re very or extremely worried about petrol prices, and almost one in three say it’s already taking a real toll on their finances.
"Until the Chancellor sets out his plans, we expect that caution to carry on showing up at the till, with shoppers leaning more heavily on promotions to keep their grocery spend under control.”
With spending on promotions in the last month up by more than a quarter of a billion pounds compared with last year, special offers remain a key tool for shoppers looking to keep their grocery bills in check, or to make pricier items and larger packs more affordable.
Shoppers warming up for autumn
As summer gave way to cooler weather in September, shoppers traded barbecues for comfort food and suncream for cold remedies. The number of shoppers buying hot chocolate rose by 41% in September when compared with August, while those buying soup increased by 35%.
Hearty home cooking made a comeback too, with 24% more shoppers buying gravy and 35% more buying frozen roast potatoes. The colder weather had its downsides, though: sales of facial tissues rose by 13% as the first colds of the season started doing the rounds.
Chocolate prices ease ahead of key seasonal moments
Halloween preparations are well underway, with 1.2 million households buying a pumpkin over the latest four weeks, an increase of 10% compared with the same time last year.
More than 250,000 households purchased a pumpkin spice coffee over the last month as they got into the festive spirit. Shoppers stocking up on trick or treat supplies will also find chocolate a little kinder on the wallet, with like-for-like chocolate confectionary prices now 3% lower than a year ago.
Fraser McKevitt added: “Halloween and Christmas are two of the most important moments of the year for chocolate confectionery, so falling prices will be welcome news for shoppers and retailers alike.
"After the double digit increases of 2025, a 3% drop won’t fully reverse what consumers have paid in recent months, but it should help ease some of the pressure on household budgets as the festive season approaches."
Symbol and independent retailers are outperforming the wider grocery market, with sales up 4.4% year on year over the 12 weeks to 4 October, compared with 1.7% for total grocers.
Over the 12 weeks to 4 October, Lidl led in market share gains, climbing to 8.6%, up from 8.2% at the same time last year. Sales at Lidl were 7.1% higher, with strong growth across categories such as fruit, vegetables and wine. The discounter welcomed more than half a million additional customers through the doors over the 12 week period.
Morrisons maintained the same 8.3% share of the market as in 2025, with sales up by 1.8%. Spending through the tills was 1.0% higher at Tesco and 1.3% higher at Sainsbury’s with the two retailers holding 27.8% and 15.2% of the market respectively. Asda share now stands at 11.5%, while Aldi now holds 10.5% of the market, with sales at the discounter up 0.4% year on year.
Waitrose sales increased by 2.3% with market share unchanged at 4.4%. Market share for Co-op also held steady capturing 5.4% of take-home spending at the grocers as sales rose by 1.8%. Iceland sales were up by 0.2% with share now at 2.2% of the market.
Worldpanel by Numerator