Food store sales volumes rose by 1.8% in August, following a rise of 0.3% in July, with the growth mainly driven by UK supermarkets, new data shows.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), food store sales were up by 0.6% year on year – the largest annual increase since July 2021. Retailers suggested that better weather contributed to the rise.

Across the board, the amount spent online remained flat during August, rising 4.3% compared with the same time last year, however for food stores, online value sales were up 1.4%.

Overall retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen 1% in August from a 0.7% rise in July, marking their highest levels since July 2022.

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British Retail Consortium director of insight Kris Hamer said: “With summer in full swing, sales growth picked up in August. Food, cosmetics, and fashion sales also had a good month as people hosted family and friends for picnics and barbecues and prepared for summer holidays and other social events.

“Clearly, the high cost of living still bears down on consumers, meaning demand may dip further when energy bills rise once again in October. On top of difficult trading, retail faces a disproportionate tax burden compared to other industries, holding back investment, and contributing to a decline in shops and jobs.

“Government must take decisive action in the upcoming Budget and introduce a 20% Retail Rates Corrector – a 20% adjustment to bills for all retail properties – to level the playing field. This would drive economic growth and restore high streets up and down the country.”