Central England Co-operative releases new research into best-selling items at Christmas as mince pie popularity continues to soar

Posted by james brindle | Published: 04/12/2019


Central England Co-operative releases new research into best-selling items at Christmas as mince pie popularity continues to soar

Central England Co-op has revealed some of its best-selling products and Christmas shopping habits as its customers stock up for the festive period.

New research conducted by the Society involving over 200 food stores spread across 16 counties has found the best-selling items across the festive season.

The figures for Christmas 2018 show that the nation’s love affair with the humble mince pie only grows stronger by the year.

Mince pie sales at Central England Co-op stores last Christmas were 15 per cent up on the previous year, with 51,000 more making there way into customers’ baskets.

Central England Co-op stores offer a great selection of mince pies including the ever popular and great value Co-op Deep Filled Mince Pies (£1), the acclaimed Co-op Irresistible Luxury Mince Pies (£2) and Free From Gluten Free Mince Pies (£2).

This year, the retailer has also introduced Co-op Irresistible Mince Pie Shortbread (£2) for those mince pie aficionados looking for something a bit different but no less festive.

The research also shines a light on what were the top sellers last Christmas in all ranges, and there were some interesting results.

Despite the growing popularity of gins and big sales of festive favourites such as Baileys Irish Cream and Mulled Wine, it was prosecco that remained the Christmas tipple of choice with the Co-op Irresistible Prosecco at number one.

Unsurprisingly, the most popular fruit throughout the year the banana is surpassed in the run-up to Christmas by lemons and limes which become the top sellers as crucial additions to that festive drink.

In terms of desserts, the best sellers were old classics – profiteroles at number one followed by strawberry trifle.

This year Central England Co-op is stocking what is sure to be a Christmas showstopper with new Co-op Clementine Profiteroles (£5) set to be the must-have finale to Christmas dinner. Look out for them in selected stores from December 15.

The data also reveals our customers are keen to treat their pets to something a little festive at this time of year with the biggest selling pet foods a turkey terrine for cats and turkey chunks in jelly for dogs.

Sita Chauhan, Customer Experience and Insights Manager at Central England Co-op, said: “It is no surprise to see that mince pies continue to be a favourite with our shoppers and at Central England Co-op there are plenty of great options to keep the family happy this festive season.

“The research shows that our customers and members are keen to enjoy the Christmas period with seasonal favourites and products that suit the season and we are stocking our stores with lots of festive treats, while ensuring that those important everyday items that remain popular all year around are still readily available.”

Keep up-to-date with the latest food offers this Christmas by visiting www.centralengland.coop/deals

 

Notes to editors

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, travel shops, and property investment.

Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2019.

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to member activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

Rob Smyth and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390

Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop