25 August 2009, 14:19 PM
  • Strong sales at the top of the pricing spectrum bode well for delis and independents that have maintained their focus on premium foods

“Sales of our premium Truly Irresistible range are performing well, with year-on-year sales up by as much 47 percent in meat and fish, 45 percent in ready meals and 33 percent in beverages, as people choose to shop locally and dine at home rather than eat out,” says Tim Hurrell, managing director, The Co-operative Food.

Other niche retailers have echoed the sentiment. “We’re still very busy thanks to the top-line foods we offer,” says Ben Hayes, owner of the Thyme Out Delicatessen in Manchester.

“The recession hasn’t really affected us because we’ve stayed focused on our regular customers who come to us for quality not quantity. They can afford to treat themselves on luxurious specialities such as truffles (mushrooms) foie gras, which confirms that people are still willing to buy food in the top bracket,” he adds.