Significant price rises in basics such tea, milk and sugar pushed British food inflation to a record 11.6 per cent in October.
Overall shop prices are now 6.6 per cent higher than they were this time last year — also a record — but food inflation jumped well above September’s 10.6 per cent and the three-month average rate of 9.7 per cent, the British Retail Consortium-Nielsen Shop Price Index showed.
Fresh food prices are up from 12.1 per cent in September, 13.3 per cent more than last October.
Non-food inflation accelerated to 4.1 per cent, up from 3.3 per cent in September.
“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," said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.
“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.
“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.”
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ALGERIA: The report studied not only food scarcity but how much a household must spend on food to get by. In Algeria, the average family spent 42.5% of their monthly income on food, placing them fifth from the bottom of the global chart. AFP -
KAZAKHSTAN: Kazakhstan came fourth from the bottom, with a household spending 43% of their income on food. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images -
CAMEROON: A farmer grows mushrooms in to diversify his crop. Cameroon was third from the bottom, with the average household spending 45.6% of their budget on food. AFP -
KENYA: Despite its position as one of Africa's stronger economies, food shortages left the average family spending 46.7% of their income on food. AFP -
NIGERIA: With one of the world's fastest growing populations, Nigeria struggles to feed its 200 million people. It languished at the bottom of the global table, with the average family spending 56% of their income on food. AFP
Mike Watkins, of NielsenIQ, said: “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 eight weeks.”
Which? head of food policy Sue Davies said: “Soaring food prices are a real concern, and our research shows millions of consumers are already skipping meals or struggling to put healthy meals on the table due to the cost-of-living crisis.
"It is vital that households get the support they need from the government and businesses.
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“Supermarkets have a crucial role to play in helping their customers navigate the tough months ahead.
"Budget lines for healthy and affordable essential items need to be widely available across their stores and they should ensure shoppers can easily compare the price of products to get the best value.
"Promotions should be targeted at supporting those most in need.”
