Sales across the wider grocery market grew just 0.5% in the 12 weeks to December 1, 2019, as UK consumers tightened their belts ahead of the looming election.

The data showed Black Friday brought only a “limited boost” for grocery retailers, as only 5% of consumers bought something during the period from a supermarket or convenience store.

Kantar blamed election uncertainty, a lacklustre Black Friday and a wetter than average autumn for the slowing growth, and said “shoppers have been delaying their Christmas preparations and are waiting to stock up on festive supplies”.