Food inflation accelerated to 1.8% in April, up from 1.1% in March, new figures reveal. This is above the 12- and 6-month average price increases of 1.5% and 1.5%, respectively.
The BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index reveals fresh food inflation rose to 1.0% in April, up from 0.4% in March. In addition, ambient Food inflation increased to 3.0% in April, up from 2.0% in March.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of British Retail Consortium, said: “Food retailers offered fewer promotions this April as they worked to discourage the consumer stockpiling of the previous month, pushing food inflation slightly above average.”
She added: “Retailers who remain open face rising costs from implementing social distancing measures, protective equipment and rising import prices, yet they continue to deliver great value on their products. With the UK facing months of economic uncertainty and the prospect of rising job losses, many customers have cut right back on spending. A speedy economic recovery is key to rebuilding consumer confidence, but businesses cannot do it alone. The government has demonstrated great support for the industry and they must be ready to take measures to revive consumer demand after lockdown has lifted.”
