Sports and sunshine boost food and drink sales

It said supermarket sales rose by 19% while specialist food and drink stores – including butchers, bakers and off-licences – were up 76%.

As the nation enjoyed key sporting events, spending at pubs and bars rose by 38% – the biggest increase since September 2020.

Overall consumer card spending rose by 11%, as the warmer weather, easing of restrictions and major sporting events saw more people socialise and set off on staycations.

Almost two thirds (64%) of Brits feel the prices of everyday items are higher than they used to be, which Barclaycard said was perhaps due to the recent rise in inflation or a shift in the perception of the cost of living as we transition back to normality.

Spending on fuel also rose by 3.6% – the first growth since the pandemic began.

More than 40% of Brits say sporting fixtures taking place over the next few weeks, including the Tokyo Olympics, will increase their spending as they socialise with friends and family.

Raheel Ahmed, head of consumer products at Barclaycard, said: “June saw Brits flock back to pubs, bars and beer gardens to watch the football and tennis on the big screens, as the heatwave early in the month encouraged many of us to get out in the sunshine and socialise.

“The start of the Olympics and the expected easing of restrictions later this month should continue to lift spirits and provide more opportunities for get-togethers.”