Platinum Jubilee

Shopping baskets for Jubilee weekend to feature 1950s faves

Research by Co-op found that many Brits will be marking the occasion with a quintessential afternoon tea, picnic, or a BBQ.

Co-op’s Jubilee Convenience Report shows that the nation is set to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with retro favourites from the 1950s.

Meringue nests, ice cream cones, golden syrup and jam are all expected to be on buffet tables with cakes set to be big sellers and expected to have a sales uplift of up to 20%. Families and communities will be tucking into a Victoria Sponge Cake to mark the historic occasion with sales expected to be up as much as 75%.

If the temperature spikes, the retailer expects to see people switch to ice cream rather than cake, selling three times as many frozen treats over the bank holiday weekends, with sales of sales of ice lollies expected to rise as much as 150%.

It’s estimated that 39 million adults will be doing something to celebrate, with 4.1 million families celebrating the milestone by attending a street party. However, 34% of 16- to 24-year-olds plan to celebrate with their friends, and 24% of people aged 55 and over plan to watch the Platinum Jubilee on TV.

The research found that while a quarter of Brits will be opting for a quintessential afternoon tea (21%) or a popular picnic (11%), some will be opting for a less traditional route this year as 31% are planning to host a BBQ to mark the occasion. In addition, sales of English sparkling wine are set to double.

Matt Hood, Co-Managing Director of Co-op Food, said: “Over the last 70 years, shopping habits have changed significantly but particularly due to the pandemic, our behaviours are mirroring those from the 1950’s more and more.”