Wild bird care products grew by 6.8% in value and 5.5% volume between January 2012 and January 2013, according to the latest figures from GfK.
Within this market, wild bird food accounted for 80% of total sales, and 20% for bird feeders and accessories. GfK said the increase in sales could be attributed to the harsh winter the UK has just experienced. "In fact, 40% of annual wild bird care sales value was seen within four months along, from October 2012 to January 2013."

While bird feeders and accessories accounted for only 20% of total sales, they achieved the highest value growth within the total wild bird care market, amounting to 21.8%. These latest growth figures come after a period for double digit decline from September 2011 to January 2012.

GfK accounts manager Richard Maden said: "This time last year the bird care category was reporting double digit value declines. The category has now bounced back, with January 2013 reporting the best value figures within one month for over 2 years, helping to drive 6.8 percent value growth across the year."

And, with spring approaching, the bird care market is continuing to perform well. Latest figures for February show the total category up 3.9% when compared to February 2012. This growth was also seen across both bird food and bird feeders.