This is the last issue of the year for The Grocer, and we’re finishing as we started, with a huge issue, featuring The Grocer/Nielsen Top Products Survey. With data and analysis on 862 of the UK’s best-selling products, across 92 categories, it’s a fascinating read, full of new insights into the market, including heroic individual performances amid the horrendous economic conditions.

Some of the conclusions are not surprising: after the wettest summer in 100 years, it won’t come as a shock that sales of soft drinks, handheld ice creams and both lager and cider were down. But who would have guessed bottled water sales would increase by 6.3% in value and 4.1% in volume? And many will be shocked that, rather than premium products suffering, it’s staples like bread, tea, breakfast cereals and pasta that have taken the biggest hits, as the nation adjusts its shopping habits.

As a bit of light relief, you can also read about the nation’s favourite fmcg ad campaigns.

“After the wettest summer in 100 years, who would have guessed that bottled water sales would increase?”

Adam Leyland, Editor

And there’s no shortage of intrigue in the news this week - with Ken McMeikan announcing his surprise move from Greggs to Brakes and Debbie & Andrew making a comeback with a new posh sausage brand, appropriately proclaimed ‘Heck!’ - capping off a quite extraordinary year in grocery.

2012 started with The Grocer celebrating its 150th anniversary with a 250-page commemorative issue. But as Tesco issued, within days, what has turned out to be a seismic profit warning, we have never really looked back.

In the first issue next year, we’ll be reviewing the astonishing events that unfolded in 2012, as well as looking forward to the year ahead. (And you can catch our daily news updates all next week on thegrocer.co.uk.) But in signing off, I leave you with this chilling thought: as we enter the final furlong in the vital Christmas trading period, a new report shows 94% of shoppers will be governed in their big Christmas shop by the best promotions, and 37% will shop around like they have all year. There’s all to play for.