Brits to spend almost £300m ahead of FA Cup finals this weekend

Brits are tipped to spend £292m this week in c-stores, shops and supermarkets as they stock up on food and drink for the FA Cup finals this weekend, according to new research.

In a poll carried out by Carling - the official beer partner of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup - more than half (55%) of Brits said they plan to watch one or both of this weekend’s finals, with 45% choosing to do so from the comfort of their own home.

Fans are expected to spend on average £24 per person on food and drinks to enjoy with the match, delivering a “significant boost” to convenience retailers and supermarkets nationwide as they capitalise on the sales, said the Molson Coors-owned brand.

When it comes to matchday drinks, beer was the clear favourite, preferred by 42% of respondents compared to just 10% who chose wine and 6% opting for spirits and mixers, the poll found.

“Every year the FA Cup sparks a rush on beer aisles, and this weekend will be no different. Because both finals are on free-to-air TV, millions of fans will be watching from their sofas, so supermarkets and convenience stores can expect a surge in last-minute top-ups,” said Lee Willett, Carling brand director at Molson Coors Beverage Company.