Supermarkets in the UK - Industry Market Research Report

Food inflation bites: Despite falling sales, revenue is insulated by surging prices

The traditional 'big four' supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons) are under intense pressure from discounters like Aldi and Lidl, with their low prices and improving quality of products resonating with price-conscious shoppers. Sainsbury's and Asda sought to merge in 2018 to better position themselves against the threat of the discount chains. However, the CMA blocked their plans, stating that the merger could lead to higher prices and reduced choice and quality. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked initial stockpiling activity and paved the way for online delivery services to become essential to people's lives. According to the ONS, food store volume sales grew by 4.3% in 2020, while the value of online food retailing soared by 79.3%, driving strong revenue growth in 2020-21.

Supermarkets sell a range of groceries and food, including fruit, vegetables, bread, canned goods, toiletries, dairy goods, alcohol, cleaning products and cigarettes. Off licences, greengrocers and symbol group and non-affiliated independent convenience stores are not included in this industry.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.