A new study by Research and Markets entitled 'E-Commerce: The Internet Grocery Market Assessment 2009' has forecast large growth in the UK's online shopping figures over the next five years, predicting that consumers will continue to take advantage of the wider product ranges available, price comparison opportunities and convenient delivery times.
The report, which covers leading online supermarket offerings such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Ocado, said that in the five years up to 2013, the UK's internet grocery market will demonstrate high annual rates of market expansion, doubling in value.
Evidence for this projected growth comes in the shape of investment by the major online grocers in expanded distribution networks, improved stock availability levels and enhanced website functionality, the report said.
However, the current economic climate has meant a focus on other factors, such as price competition between the different sites, while environmental issues – including fuel efficiency and plastic bag reduction – have also become more significant.
Research commissioned by the report showed that 17.8 per cent of consumer respondents purchased groceries online at least once a year, with 3.8 per cent making online purchases once a week and a further 2.4 per cent making them two or three times a month.
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