New research reveals Central England Co-op stores’ Christmas bestsellers

Mince pies has been the best-selling Christmas product along with beer, lager and ciders in Central England Co-op stores, says a recent research revealing some of the stores’ best-selling products and Christmas shopping habits in recent years.

As per a new research conducted by the Society involving over 260 food stores spread across 16 counties, mince pies saw a spiked-up sales around Dec 10 last year despite a comparatively flat sales over earlier years.

The data further suggests shoppers were looking to enjoy some cheese and biscuits as a festive treat last Christmas with sales of cheeses up 6.1 per cent with Co-op Irresistible Biscuits for Cheeses up by 10.7 per cent. Co-op Somerset Brie was one of the biggest growers in cheeses up 26.2 per cent.

In alcoholic drinks, it was beer, lager and ciders that were top sellers in 2020, up 28.7 per cent year on year with Henry Westons Vintage Cider the biggest seller with 29,000 cases sold.

Gin’s popularity continued to soar, up 6.2 per cent year on year with shoppers preferring to go large last year with the Co-op London Dry Gin up 48.5 per cent, while the smaller version was down 11.2 per cent.

Shoppers also appeared to make sure they were well prepared for the inevitable need for batteries on Christmas Day for all those new toys last year, with sales up 20 per cent.

Marta Foley, customer analytics manager at Central England Co-op, said, “The research shows that our customers and members are keen to enjoy the Christmas period with seasonal favourites and products that suit the time of year and after a challenging 2021 we expect shoppers to want to enjoy Christmas with comforting and familiar festive offerings.

“We are stocking our stores with lots of festive treats, as well as some great new products to appeal to customers wanting to try something different, while ensuring that those important everyday items that remain popular all year around are still readily available.”