The price of some groceries has jumped by 20 per cent, adding to the cost of living crisis.
Apples and margarine are among the goods that have gotten much dearer. Supermarket bosses, desperate to keep customers, have largely shielded shoppers from the worst of a surge in costs.
But there are signs higher costs are being passed on. Pork sausages have gone from £4.87 to £5.16 a kilo – a 6 per cent jump, reports said, adding pears have soared 16 per cent to £2.37 and apples have surged 20 per cent to £2.35.
Margarine has also risen 20 per cent – with a typical 500g tub now costing £1.60. Experts warn food inflation could carry on rising into next year.
Marmite maker Unilever is the latest big supplier to warn it could hit retailers with higher prices.
The consumer goods giant on Thursday (21) reported a rise in sales for the past quarter but said it has seen “strongly elevated” levels of cost, and expects this to continue into next year.
The prices will be increased in each of its product divisions, which includes foods and refreshments, home care, and beauty and personal care, Unilever said.
Unilever’s finance chief, Graeme Pitkethly, said the multinational had “stepped up” its pricing in response to the very high levels of inflation.
“We expect inflation could be higher next year,” he added.
After months of falling food prices, food inflation – price rise year-on-year – has almost tripled from 0.3 per cent in August to 0.8 per cent in September, the Office for National Statistics said.
