Mike Watkins news, comment and analysis
Mike Watkins is head of retailer and business insight at NiQ.
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NewsLidl sails past Morrisons to become UK’s fifth biggest supermarket
It is the first time Lidl has pulled ahead of Morrisons, following two consecutive months in which it has matched the supermarket in market share
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NewsShop price inflation creeps up as Middle East conflict adds to costs
Easing inflation in food – from 3.5% in February to 3.4% in March – failed to offset upward pressure in other areas, according to the latest monthly BRC-NIQ Shop Price Monitor
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NewsFood inflation climbs further as ‘retailers grapple with costs’
Fresh food prices rose particularly sharply, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Monitor
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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