The UK convenience market is forecast to reach £49.1bn this year as retailers invest in food-to-go, fresh ranges and upgraded stores to capture changing shopper missions.

Food-to-go is emerging as one of the sector’s biggest growth opportunities, according to Lumina Intelligence’s UK Convenience & Wholesale Market Report 2026.

Convenience operators are expanding their bakery, coffee, chilled food and meal-solution ranges as they look to compete more directly with cafés, quick-service restaurants and other foodservice businesses.

Shoppers increasingly favour “little and often” purchasing, prompting retailers to move beyond traditional top-up missions and encourage more frequent visits and higher basket spend.

Investment in fresh food, store layouts and the overall customer experience is also helping operators position convenience stores as destinations rather than purely transactional outlets.

The UK’s largest convenience groups are expected to strengthen their positions through store openings, modernisation programmes and technology investment.

Multiples are forecast to continue gaining share by improving their value propositions and store estates, while symbol groups remain well placed to combine neighbourhood convenience with the buying power, promotions and operational support of larger networks.

As inflationary pressures ease, Lumina said growth would increasingly depend on demonstrating value through quality, relevance and convenience rather than relying predominantly on price increases.

Meal deals, price-marked packs, delivery services and personalised promotions are expected to play a greater role in attracting and retaining shoppers.

Stores are also broadening their offer with seasonal ranges, specialist areas and additional services to strengthen their position as local community hubs.

Technology investment is expected to accelerate, with retailers making greater use of artificial intelligence to improve promotional activity, personalise offers and increase operational efficiency.

Convenience formats are also likely to evolve to accommodate wider product ranges, self-service areas and larger food-to-go propositions.

However, operators will need to adapt to regulatory changes affecting categories including soft drinks and nicotine products, which could influence store layouts and product ranges.

Lumina forecasts that the UK convenience market will grow to approximately £54bn by 2029, creating further opportunities for retailers, wholesalers and suppliers investing in their propositions and operations.

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