A combination of planned top-up and healthier eating has driven shopper penetration in the convenience channel, according to new research from Lumina Intelligence.
The Lumina Intelligence Convenience Tracking Programme (CTP) for the 13 weeks to 28 September 2025 reported a growth in consumer penetration across all segments, with forecourt stores outperforming other channels. However, the average basket size and spend in convenience dipped over the course of the quarter, starting out at 2.9 items per basket and ending the quarter at 2.7 while average spend dropped from £9.93 to £8.76.
Consumer interest in healthier products during the summer was highlighted in the report.
“Health and freshness considerations peaked during the summer, with pure fruit juices, and nuts and dried fruit, showing the strongest growth in share of occasions as shoppers increasingly sought better-for-you options.”
The report also found that young families drove growth in planned top-up missions. “Planned top-ups gained momentum, especially among young families, with proximity to home/work driving store choice and delivery share in managed outlets reaching a new high.”
The growth of fresh and chilled categories in convenience was also seen as an area of opportunity for the sector. “Retailers are increasingly reconfiguring store layouts to prioritise fresh and chilled ranges, including food-to-go (FTG), recognising their growing relevance across all demographics. Spar Abbots Cross exemplifies this shift, having expanded its offer to include a prominent fruit and vegetable section, alongside locally sourced butchery and bakery products. These additions not only enhance the store’s fresh credentials but also strengthen its role as a community hub. With planned top-up shopping on the rise, particularly among young, affluent families, a broad and appealing fresh and chilled range is key to meeting evolving shopper needs.”
Meanwhile, price-marked packs also saw increased interest in the channel, with the research find that more than half of convenience shoppers bought one in Q3. “Promotional activity softened overall, but PMP sales rose across most channels, with forecourts reaching record levels. This growth was driven primarily by soft drinks and chilled foods.”
No comments yet