Food sales growth in S Group stores due to coronavirus outbreak 2020, by product type

In March 2020, food sales increased significantly in S Group stores in Finland as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and after the government announced its first COVID-19 related restrictions on March 12, 2020. In comparison to the food sales in January, the total sales growth reached 25 percent, even though the largest sales growth was limited to certain product groups. These products included flour, bread, grains, and flakes. The sales figures of flour were for example 2.4 times higher in the period of March 9 to 15 than during a typical week in January. Sales of other products, such as canned foods, and frozen foods also increased a lot in comparison to January. In the period of March 16 to 22, the sales growth decreased from the previous week, but sales of several product groups were still considerably higher than usually.

The first COVID-19 case in Finland was confirmed on January 29, 2020. For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.