In early May 2023, retail food sales values were higher than 3 years ago for some categories, lower for others
![In early May 2023, retail food sales values were higher than 3 years ago for some categories, lower for others Bar chart showing the change in food sales overall and by category between 2020 and 2023.](/webdocs/charts/101351/food_and_consumers_figure_3-2_768px.png?v=6367.3)
Comparing May 2023 retail food sales with May 2020—a 3-year range—provides a comparison of sales early in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of May 7, 2023, the value of retail food sales was higher than the same week in 2020 for some categories but lower for others. The largest 3-year increase was for beverages, which in May 2023 was 26.6 percent higher in sales value compared with May 2020; the largest decrease was for alcohol, 10.7 percent lower.
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