Mike Watkins news, comment and analysis
Mike Watkins is head of retailer and business insight at NiQ.
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NewsSupermarket volumes decline on shopper caution ahead of Christmas
Total till sales at UK grocers increased 4.1% in the four weeks to 4 October, the same level as the previous month, NIQ reported
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NewsNon-food prices push up inflation in September
Food inflation held steady at 4.2%, ending seven months of successive growth
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NewsSupermarket volumes fall as inflation ramps up pressure on shoppers
Volumes at supermarkets have remained under pressure as growth at the tills continues to be driven by rising food prices
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NewsFood inflation hits 18-month high driven by eggs and butter
The price of staples like butter and eggs shot up due to high demand, tightening supply, and increased labour costs, said the BRC
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News‘Dinner for tonight’ drives grocery growth as Brits stay home
Brits are increasingly favouring healthier, home-cooked meals over dining out, according to NIQ
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NewsFood inflation hits 4% as budget cost pressures meet tightening global supplies
Food inflation has climbed from 3.7% year on year in June, with staples such as meat and tea among hardest-hit categories amid tighter global supplies, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Monitor
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NewsAsda showing ‘green shoots of recovery’, says NIQ
Asda has been in the midst of a long-term sales drop that pulled the supermarket to a £600m loss last year
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Events & AwardsThe Grocer Gold Awards 2025: Tesco wins Britain’s Favourite Supermarket
Tesco made it 11 straight wins as Britain’s favourite supermarket and delivered a bruising blow to rival Asda in the process
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NewsFood price inflation hits 3.7% as autumn budget costs bite
It pushed overall shop prices into inflation for the first time in almost a year
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NewsHeatwave sparks healthy eating sales boost
Yoghurt and berries were among the biggest winners as summer got off to a hot start
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NewsBrits rein in food spend in May following Easter splurge
Shoppers are still prepared to indulge but are holding back on some categories, said NIQ
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NewsFood inflation hits one-year high with steaks ‘more expensive’
Food inflation hit a one-year high in May as fresh foods like beef, milk, and eggs all grew more expensive
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NewsFood inflation hits 11-month high as retailers hit by ‘mountain’ of rising employment costs
Food inflation hit 2.6% in April as everyday essentials such as bread, meat and fish all increased in price, according to the BRC
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NewsCity snapshot: Boots owner closing in on $10bn private equity takeover
Walgreens Boots Alliance is reportedly closing in on a deal worth $10bn to be taken private by a US private equity firm. Also, Valentine’s Day was bigger than ever this year, according to NIQ
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NewsBRC urges government to ‘mitigate swathe of costs’ as food inflation climbs
‘We expect food prices to be over 4% up by the second half of the year,’ said BRC CEO Helen Dickinson
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NewsNew year health kick sees fruit & veg sales rocket
Half of all UK households now say they cook from scratch most days
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NewsJanuary promotions keep prices down, but tough times are ahead
Food inflation eased yet food prices continue to rise at their fastest rate since April 2024
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NewsChristmas retail deflation likely to be temporary reprieve
Shop prices fell in December, according to the monthly BRC-NIQ shop price index, but the report predicts economic headwinds this year will see the return of higher prices
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NewsCity snapshot: Tesco and M&S celebrate a record Christmas as shoppers splash out
Tesco and Marks & Spencer have revealed strong Christmas numbers this morning as consumers splashed out on premium ranges for the big day. Plus, Christmas trading updates from Hilton Food Group, B&M Bargains and Greggs, with the latest shop price inflation data from the BRC and NielsenIQ
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NewsHeavy Christmas promotions lift supermarket till roll to record highs
Supermarket sales hit a record high of £14.6bn in the three weeks leading to Christmas thanks to the highest level of promotions seen in store for three years, according to new figures released this morning