Waitrose has reported that total sales for the week to 3 December were 5.7 per cent higher than the same time last year. During the equivalent week in 2010, heavy snow falling across most of the UK meant shoppers rushed to stock up on long-life products and warming, comfort foods.
However, the milder weather in 2011 has seen continued strong sales of warm-weather lines such as bagged and prepared salads which were up 19 and 28 per cent respectively on last year, according to Tom Athron, Waitrose finance director.
Soft fruit has also performed well, with sales up by 43 per cent on last year. The best-seller in the category was blueberries enjoying an abundance of supply on the marketplace.
