In early May 2023, retail food sales values were higher than 3 years ago for some categories, lower for others

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.