Food inflation accelerated strongly to 11.6% in October, up from 10.6% in September. This is above the 3-month average rate of 9.7%.
This is the highest inflation rate in the food category on record according to figures released today by the British Retail Consortium (BRC)
Overall shop prices are now 6.6% higher than they were this time last year while Fresh food prices are now 13.3% more than last October, up from 12.1% in September.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “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.
“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.”
