Sales of Spar’s new value brand S Budget are exceeding expectations, having generated more than £2m for Spar’s five wholesalers in just over two months.

The range’s 15 core lines have exceeded targets, with the S Budget Energy proving particularly popular with shoppers.

Half a million cans of the drink, which is priced at 42p, have already been sold since its launch in September, leading to a boost of overall energy drink sales in Spar stores.

“The demand for better value products in good local convenience stores has never been greater, and the launch of the S Budget range allows Spar to be ideally placed to maximise this opportunity,” said Spar UK brand director Susan Darbyshire.

Other top sellers are four-packs of kitchen rolls and toilet roll, which have an rrp of just £1.39 and 99p respectively.

Fresh chicken and mature white Cheddar have also helped to boost overall fresh foods sales in Spar stores. “Chilled and fresh foods are what customers are now demanding,” added Darbyshire.