Historically, fuel forecourts were visited for simply refuelling a petrol or diesel car, perhaps grabbing a bag of sweets or de-icer whilst on the way to pay. But in recent years, this behaviour has changed.
Recent data reveals that 75%* of forecourt visits now involve no fuel purchase at all. The forecourt shopper now sees the forecourt as a destination in its own right, spending more in store and expecting quality, too. Operators who recognise this change in behaviour and respond to new shopper priorities have a strong growth opportunity.
As it stands, fuel forecourts now account for 18.3% of the total UK convenience sector, with non-fuel sales approaching £6 billion in value annually**.
The EV effect
This shift in consumer habits can be partly linked to the transition towards electric vehicles. There are now over 1.6 million electric vehicles on the road and the growth is accelerating. With around 85,163 electric charging points at 42,970 locations across the UK***, the dwell time at forecourts is increasing and with that, a desire for a broader shopping opportunity.Â
What are shoppers expecting from a petrol forecourt?
Food-to-go
Forecourts have seen a real increase in demand for food-to-go, such as sandwiches and snacks. Research**** reveals sales in this category have increased for nearly half of forecourt operators. Shoppers want a range of hot and cold food, as well as drink vending machines to make it easy to enjoy food whilst on the road.
Range of services beyond fuel and food
Customers head to a petrol forecourt and want to be able to complete various missions, from a top-up shop to dropping off a parcel or using a car wash.
29% of UK forecourts***** provide an over-the-counter parcel service and diversification into parcel lockers and pharmacy pick up is growing.
The more missions forecourts can serve, the more they will see repeat custom and increased loyalty.
Quality
The petrol forecourt convenience store offering needs to be varied and deliver quality. Forecourts now cater to nearly 4 million weekly missions******. With a trusted and quality range, shoppers will use forecourt convenience stores as a destination in their own right, with purposeful trips and a clear mission in mind for the visit.
Stocking big brands, multiple categories and award-winning own-brand ranges such as Co-op own-brand, will ensure operators build a reputation for a great range and quality – and in turn, increase repeat custom and basket spend.
Petrol forecourts were ranked as the fifth******* most essential service on the local high street, demonstrating the sales opportunity across the country. The sites that offer a compelling convenience proposition will grow faster, convert more shoppers and drive bigger baskets.Â
Find out more
To find out more about partnering with Co-op Wholesale, click here.Â
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*Lumina, 2025
**UK Forecourt Market 2025: EV Growth & Retail Shift - Lumina Intelligence
***ACS, 2025
****SUMMIT: Rising popularity of food-to-go becomes biggest forecourt trend | News | Forecourt Trader
*****Forecourt Report 2025 | ACS | The Association of Convenience Stores
******UK Forecourt Market 2025: EV Growth & Retail Shift - Lumina Intelligence
*******Forecourt Report 2025 | ACS | The Association of Convenience Stores
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