Decoding the Shopper

Heatwave has shoppers reaching for summer staples, while inflation slows to 2.1%. Sally Ball, our business unit director, gives an update on the UK grocery market share over the 12 weeks to 9 August 2026.

Convenience food has long been associated with speed. But today's shoppers expect much more.In this episode of Decoding the Shopper, host Thomas Hole is joined by Sarah Babb, Marketing Director at Ginsters, and Lewis Kain, Strategic Insight Director at Worldpanel by Numerator, to explore how evolving shopper behaviour is changing the role of convenience food.Drawing on the latest Worldpanel shopper insights alongside Ginsters' brand transformation, the conversation explores how perceptions can be challenged through provenance, quality and innovation, while responding to changing lunch occasions and increasingly flexible eating habits.

World Cup and heatwave send shoppers out in force as inflation eases to 2.6%. Fraser McKevitt, our head of retail, gives an update on the UK grocery market share over the 12 weeks to 12 July 2026.

Record May temperatures drive summer spending as grocery sales rise by 2.4%. Fraser McKevitt, our head of retail, gives an update on the UK grocery market share over the 12 weeks to 14 June 2026.

Summer categories and online growth drive Irish grocery sales despite grey May skies. Emer Healy, our Business Development Director, gives an update on the Irish grocery market share over the 12 weeks to 17 May 2026.

Grocery inflation eases as early May grey skies dampen sales of summer essentials. Fraser McKevitt, our head of retail, gives an update on the UK grocery market share over the 12 weeks to 17 May 2026.

Will chocolate prices finally come down?Sam Hart and Jackson Woods unpack the big question facing confectionery right now: with cocoa prices falling sharply, are shoppers about to see cheaper chocolate on shelves? The answer is more complicated than it seems.From commodity buying cycles and retailer negotiations to promotions, shrinkflation, and the psychology of indulgence during difficult economic periods, the team explores why falling input costs don’t automatically translate into lower shelf prices.Using real-world case studies from butter, coffee, and sugar confectionery, they break down:Why manufacturers may resist deflationHow promotions could become the new battlegroundThe role of shopper behaviour and “treat culture”What history tells us about inflation, substitution, and recoveryWhy Christmas tubs could be one of the first signs of changePlus, a look ahead at how enhanced shopper panel data will help brands better understand impulsive purchasing and convenience channel trends in the months ahead.

British shoppers hunt for deals amid Middle East uncertainty. Fraser McKevitt, our head of retail, gives an update on the UK grocery market share over the 12 weeks to 19 April 2026.

Watch podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ak2by4amTbgLaunches create activity. Routines decide whether it lasts.In the third article of our Innovation Advantage series, we examine how advantage is protected when markets tighten and substitution rises.We look at where routine stability begins to weaken: price expectations, discount dependence, product experience, and the quiet shift toward simpler substitutes.For innovation leaders, revenue managers and brand teams, the challenge is clear: how do you ensure a launch keeps its place in routine once the launch moment fades?Speak to and expert and find out more: Creating the innovation advantage - Worldpanel by Numerator