UK: FIFA World Cup boosts Waitrose party food & drink sales

With the FIFA World Cup now underway, UK retailer Waitrose has reported that it has already begun to see a big boost in its sales of party foods and drinks.

Figures released by the supermarket show that beer sales have increased 40% year on year and were also up 20% compared to the previous week. Frozen pizzas sales have increased by 30%, and ice cream sales are up 52%.

In beverages, sales of South American wines have had a 50% boost, and Brazilian beer Palma Louca has also increased 53% week-on-week. Coffee sales have also seen a 8% jump, as consumers prepare for late-evening kick off times.

Jonathan Moore, Waitrose executive chef, said: “Earlier this year we predicted that demand for South American food would go through the roof. For June, the nation will be enjoying South American style BBQs, with marinades and whole joints of meat cooking slowly on open grills.”

Source: Talking Retail