Monitoring retail purchase and price promotions in Scotland 2021

Summary

This report provides information on retail purchasing patterns of food and drink in Scotland, comparing trends throughout 2019 - 2021, using data from Kantar. It follows on from data last published by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in early 2022, which presented trends in purchasing patterns in Scotland, between 2019 and 2020. The data presented relates to retail purchasing in Scotland, and refers to take home purchases. It does not include food and drink purchased for consumption outside of the home (OOH).

Key findings include:

• The amount of  food and drink purchased into the home increased by 5.9% in 2021, compared to 2019.
• Spend on food and drink purchased into the home in 2021 increased by 12.7% to £10.4 billion in 2021, compared to 2019.
• Spend on food and drink online increased by 109.4% to £951 million in 2021, compared to 2019.
• The number of average trips per household (including online purchases) in 2021 decreased by 8.9% compared to 2019.
• The amount of calories purchased per person, per day from retail increased by 6.35% (140 kcal) in 2021, compared to 2019.
• In 2021, 23.1% of total food and drink purchased was purchased on a price promotion.

This report complements and adds to existing FSS data on monitoring trends in retail food and drink purchasing. This data forms part of the FSS dietary monitoring programme and will be used to support and policy development, and public health communications and consumer advice.