Sales of salad and soft fruit rose substantially in Waitrose last week as spring finally arrived.
Warm and sunny weather helped sales of a range of products including wine, gin, beer, ice cream, burgers and ice cubes, supply chain director Wim van Aalst reported.
Salad sales rose 23 per cent compared to the same week last year, while soft fruit went up 14 per cent.
Van Aalst said trade comparisons were still being distorted by the earlier fall of Easter this year. Total sales excluding fuel increased 7.4 per cent compared to the same week a year ago.
The improved salad and soft-fruit sales come as Waitrose announced the introduction of 100 Healthy Eating Specialists who will direct customers towards healthier food choices in stores.It has also put its new 'Good Health' mark on more than 1,600 lines to flag up healthier options more prominently.
