Shopper con dence remained stable in December.

Shopper confidence remained stable in December

December was a month of two halves for shopper confidence, as the excitement of Christmas festivities was coupled with the uncertainty over Omicron, according to the December 2021 Shopper Confidence Index from IGD ShopperVista – a provider of category, insight and commercial professionals with trusted shopper insights.

The latest data revealed that, despite a slight return to normality compared with Christmas in 2020, shopper confidence remained flat at -9 in December 2021 – unchanged from November 2021 and three points lower than December 2020’s score of -6.

Despite this stability there was a clear split across December 2021, with shopper confidence increasing from a low of -13 in the first week to a high of -7 in the last week, as it became clear – in England at least – that no new COVID-19 restrictions would be activated before New Year. Although restrictions were put into place in Scotland and Wales, shopper confidence increased in Scotland from -15 to -10.

Financial confidence remained stable from November, with 31% expecting to be worse off in the year ahead and 20% expecting to be better off. Overall shopper confidence decreased most amongst 35-54-year-olds in December, with shoppers remaining concerned about increasing food prices, with 86% (vs. 85% November 2021) expecting prices to become more expensive over the next 12 months (this is the highest level since January 2016).

Rhian Thomas, head of insight at IGD ShopperVista, said: “It’s encouraging to see that overall confidence remained unchanged from November. Despite increased restrictions causing a dip in the first week it’s clear that time spent with friends and family over Christmas helped to bolster confidence significantly by the end of the month.

“Assuming no further restrictions are introduced then shopper confidence may be sustained in early 2022. However, this is likely to remain fragile in the first quarter as shoppers contend with a double whammy of the energy price cap review and the National Insurance increase in April. This will hit the lowest affluence groups hardest, as a higher proportion of their income goes on food, drink and energy, meaning that their recovery is slower than higher affluence groups.”

Reprised UK food and drink shows to return to the NEC in spring 2022

The UK Food & Drink Shows are set to return to the NEC, Birmingham in April 2022 (25 to 27th) bringing the very best from across key industries back together for an unrivalled three days of trends, innovation, networking and insight.

Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show will be held in unison, giving food and drink professionals 2022’s most comprehensive opportunity to experience the latest developments across multiple sectors.

A bustling show floor made up of hundreds of innovative exhibitors, business boosting live seminars, and awards – including the brand new Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards and prestigious Retailer Awards – will shape the three-day trade show, putting the UK Food & Drink Shows firmly in the diary as the event to attend to accelerate post pandemic business while rubbing shoulders with some big industry names.

Andrew Reed, managing director – wine & exhibitions, William Reed, said: “Trade shows have never been so important and in 2022, we’re delighted to be able to bring back the UK Food & Drink Shows to the NEC. Each individual show will be tailored to its respective audience, tackling sector-specific issues whilst across the event the biggest trends, challenges and opportunities facing our industry in the coming years will be debated and discussed – we can’t wait to see you there.”

Encompassing four key sectors across the industry, the UK Food & Drink Shows are unrivalled in their ability to bring people together, build and foster better relationships, discover business building insight and celebrate innovation, all with the support of the multi-award-winning William Reed brand. Registration is free and one badge provides access to all four shows.