Highlights
- UK food inflation has hit its highest rate since March last year
- Rise in prices of butter, eggs and chocolate as the main driver
- Experts warn of squeeze on household budgets
UK food inflation has hit its highest rate since March last year, fuelled by significant increase in prices of staples such as butter, eggs and chocolates, shows industry figures released today (Aug 26).
According to data published by British Retail Consortium (BRC), in the period from Aug 1 to 7, food inflation increased to 4.2 per cent year on year in August, against growth of 4.0 per cent in July. This is above the three-month average of 3.9 per cent.
Fresh Food inflation increased to 4.1 per cent year on year in August, against growth of 3.2 per cent in July. This is above the three-month average of 3.5 per cent.
Ambient Food inflation decreased to 4.2 per cent year on year in August, against growth of 5.1 per cent in July. This is below the three-month average of 4.5 per cent.
Overall, shop price inflation increased to 0.9per cent year on year in August, against growth of 0.7 per cent in July. This is above the three-month average of 0.6 per cent.
Commenting on the figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said, “Shop price inflation hit its highest rate since March last year, fuelled by food price rises.
"This adds pressure to families already grappling with the cost of living. Staples such as butter and eggs saw significant increases due to high demand, tightening supply, and increased labour costs.
"Chocolate also got more expensive as global prices of cocoa remain high owing to poor harvests. There was some respite for parents ahead of the new academic year, with lower prices for clothing, books, stationery, and computing.
“Retailers continue doing everything they can to limit price rises for households, but as the Bank of England acknowledged, the £7bn in new costs flowing through from last year’s Budget has created an uphill battle for retailers.
"That is why over 60 retail CEOs recently wrote to the Chancellor with a call to ensure there are no further taxes rises on retail this Autumn.
"The planned business rates reforms present an opportunity to deliver a meaningful reduction in retail, hospitality and leisure bills, ensure no shop pays more as a result and help retailers keep prices low for customers.”
According to Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight at NIQ, the uptick in prices reflects several factors such as global supply costs, seasonal food inflation driven by weather conditions, the conclusion of promotional activity linked to recent sporting events, and a rise in underlying operational costs.
"As shoppers return from their summer holidays, many may need to reassess household budgets in response to rising household bills," Watkins warned.