The June heatwave has led to record-breaking sales in convenience stores, according to new statistics by Talysis.
The data found that the soft drinks category broke its value sales record twice in the space of four weeks, with value sales reaching £114m in the week ending 27 June, beating the previous record of £105m, which was only set over the Bank Holiday week ending 31 May. Last week (w/c 22 June) was deemed the best week in the last two years for all the main sub-categories across soft drinks – water, carbonates, energy, juice/smoothies and health/lifestyle – and even across both impulse and take-home sectors.
The ice cream category also had a record week, with value sales reaching £18.2m, 56% higher than last year’s peak, which was coincidentally on the same week last year, when sales were £11.6m. Like soft drinks, the ice cream category has broken the value sales record twice in the space of four weeks, with the week ending 31 May seeing sales of £14.8m.
Talysis also reported that despite the record temperatures, UK consumers are still turning to chocolate. Sales of countline chocolate in the week ending 27 June were £8.5m versus a 52-week average of £10.3m, which whilst down, was still a strong performance in the soaring heat – and higher than both Easter week 2026 and the two weeks over Christmas 2025.
This follows a £30m sales boost in May for the convenience channel – with every extra degree over the expected seasonal average temperature worth an extra £3m in sales for the sector.
Ed Roberts, managing director of Talysis Ltd, said: “The great British summer this year presents a major and much-needed opportunity for the UK’s independent convenience sector. As our insights have shown, hotter weather, either a heatwave or simply ‘above average’ temperatures, delivers significant sales increases in the channel. Coupled with the World Cup, Wimbledon and other high profile sporting events, it’s exactly what the sector needs. Although the latest heatwave is now over, there’s another one predicted soon. Retailers need to grab every opportunity they can to demonstrate their convenience now, so that shoppers remember them during the tougher months. Stock up on the key categories to maximise availability, make sure relevant SKUs are chilled, and communicate effectively to your customers and potential customers.”
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