London The UK grocery market will overtake that of Germany by 2015 to reach £162 billion (Dh965.52 billion) as online and convenience sales give Britain faster revenue growth than other European countries, according to the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD).
The UK will have the eighth-largest grocery market within four years, pushing Germany down one place to ninth, according to IGD. The UK market will grow 13.2 per cent in the four-year period, faster than Italy, Germany and France, the forecast said.
Enhanced ranges
A push by grocers including Tesco Plc, the world's third-largest retailer, into small, in-town convenience stores and enhanced online ranges such as non-food will raise UK sales. China, which overtook the US as the largest market in 2011, will maintain its top position through 2015.
"In the UK, we expect the online sector to perform well, with internet sales boosted by the increasing use of smartphones and tablet computers," IGD Chief Executive Officer Joanne Denney-Finch said. "Convenience stores, with their increased focus on fresh food and tailoring of outlets to local demand, will also be a "key performer."
