Ocado Marks One Year as Britain’s Fastest-Growing Grocer

Ocado has officially notched up a full year as the UK’s fastest-growing grocer, with sales surging by 14.9% in the 12 weeks to 19 May. The online retailer continues to outperform the market, cementing its position as a major force in Britain’s evolving grocery landscape.

The milestone comes as grocery sales across the UK rise in response to a combination of seasonal weather and shifting consumer behaviour. An early spring heatwave drove demand for barbecue staples such as chilled burgers and potato salad, while households continued to adjust their spending to navigate ongoing food price inflation, which reached 4.1%—the highest rate recorded in over a year.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, commented: “Households have been adapting their buying habits to manage budgets for some time, but we typically see changes in behaviour once inflation tips beyond the 3% to 4% point.”

While traditional supermarkets remain dominant, Ocado’s continued double-digit growth reflects its strength as a digital-first retailer. Its ongoing partnership with Marks & Spencer has enabled it to widen its appeal and expand its offering to a broader customer base.

Elsewhere in the market, Tesco saw a 5.9% rise in sales, while Sainsbury’s reported a 4.7% uplift. Among the discounters, Aldi and Lidl also performed strongly, with Lidl achieving a record market share of 8.1% and Aldi reaching 11.1%.

Ocado’s success stands out not just for its consistency but also for what it signals about the future of UK grocery retail. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards convenience and flexibility, Ocado’s model places it in a strong position to meet the needs of a modern, digitally savvy shopper.

In a time of inflationary pressure and heightened competition, Ocado’s performance highlights the growing importance of agility, innovation and an effective online strategy in securing grocery market share.