Food sales are up 6.9 per cent on last year after a strong April with total retail sales on a whole seeing an uplift on 2008, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium.

UK retail sales values rose 4.6 per cent on a like-for-like basis and rose 6.3 per cent on a total basis, from April 2008, when sales were very weak in the cold wet weather after Easter fell in March.

Food sales showed strong growth, helped by the later Easter with much warmer weather than last year, rising 6.9 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Easter falling in April 2009 but in March in 2008 meant April’s sales growth was against a very weak comparison.

The warm sunny weekends drove sales of salads and fresh as shoppers looked for special deals and good value, and frozen food regained some popularity, being seen as cost-effective and convenient.

Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: “The best sales growth for three years is good news but let's be cautious. A sunny Easter that fell in April this year is the key reason why overall sales are up compared with last year when Easter was in March and miserable…the total spent on food rose less than food inflation, indicating the amount sold dropped.

"Following a tough winter, there's some pent up demand but there's no reason to think customers suddenly feel flush or eager to spend. With unemployment set to grow through the rest of the year, mounting jobs worries will hold back spending for some time. It would be great if the historically weak performance of the last twelve months was behind us but we shouldn't celebrate yet."

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of the IGD, said: “Food and drink sales for the last three months were 5.3 per cent higher on a like-for-like basis than the same period a year ago. Easter gave April a big boost and encouragingly the second half of the month also performed well - thanks to some better spring weather.

“While many shoppers are delaying the purchase of big-ticket items, nearly three-quarters told IGD in a recent poll that they are 'carrying on as normal' with their grocery shopping - although of course they are seeking out the best deals and promotions, shopping around and scrutinising value.”

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