Sales of tinned food and bottled water jump after 'Be Ready' campaign launch

Sales of essential goods such as bottled water and canned food soared in the 10 days following the launch of the government's "Be Ready" emergency preparedness campaign on 22 October, research indicates.

Hand sanitiser sales were up 83%, sales of bottled water rose 67% and tinned and jarred goods climbed 37%, according to data from retail research firm Worldpanel by Numerator.

The government's public awareness campaign encouraged people to stock up in case of disruption to essential services by severe weather or cyberattacks.

However, Worldpanel said that while households were stockpiling essentials, they were not panic buying.

The government campaign encouraged people to keep three days-worth of food and water in their homes.