Rising prices of fresh food, milk, sugar push food inflation to record high: BRC

Food prices in the UK soared by 11.6 per cent in October – the fastest rate on record – as staples such prices of staples like teabags, milk and sugar along with fresh food continue to rise, data shows.

Shop Price annual inflation accelerated to 6.6 per cent in October, up from 5.7 per cent in September, stated British Retail Consortium (BRC) today (2). This is above the 3-month average rate of 5.5 per cent. This marks another record for shop price inflation since this index started in 2005.

Food inflation accelerated strongly to 11.6 per cent in October, up from 10.6 per cent in September. This is above the 3-month average rate of 9.7 per cent. This is the highest inflation rate in the food category on record.

Non-Food inflation accelerated to 4.1 per cent in October, up from 3.3 per cent in September. This is above the 3-month average rate of 3.4 per cent. Inflation remains rose to a fresh series’ high in this category.

Fresh Food inflation strongly accelerated in October to 13.3 per cent, up from 12.1 per cent in September. This is above the 3-month average rate of 12.0 per cent. This is the highest inflation rate in the fresh food category on record.

Ambient Food inflation accelerated to 9.4 per cent in October, up from 8.6 per cent in September. This is above the 3-month average rate of 8.6 per cent. This is the fastest rate of increase in the ambient food category on record.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of BRC, said that it has been a difficult month for consumers who not only faced an increase in their energy bills, but also a more expensive shopping basket.

“Prices were pushed up because of the significant input cost pressures faced by retailers due to rising commodity and energy prices and a tight labour market. Even the price of basic items went up, with the price of the humble cuppa rising, as tea bags, milk and sugar all saw significant rises. While some supply chain costs are beginning to fall, this is more than offset by the cost of energy, meaning a difficult time ahead for retailers and households alike.

“With Christmas fast approaching, customers are looking for any sign of respite, but it is increasingly difficult for retailers to shoulder the ongoing supply chain pressures. The Government can support households by reducing the cost burden that prevents retailers from keeping prices down for their customers. Government must freeze business rates to prevent an additional £800m bill landing on the plates of retailers and in turn their customers in 2023.”

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight, NielsenIQ, said that that external factors are keeping shop price inflation at record highs and the challenging economic conditions are significantly impacting consumer confidence and retail spend.

“With pressure growing on discretionary spend across both non-food and food retail, delivering good value is the table stake in the battle for shopper loyalty over the next 8 weeks.”