Food inflation accelerated to 15.7% in April, the highest inflation rate in the food category on record, new data reveals.
The BRC-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index for April shows fresh food inflation accelerated in April, to 17.8%, up from 17.0% in March. This is above the 3-month average rate of 17.0% and is the highest inflation rate in the fresh food category on record.
Ambient food inflation accelerated to 12.9% in April, up from 12.4% in March, and is the fastest rate of increase in the ambient food category on record.
Meanwhile, total shop price annual inflation decelerated to 8.8% in April, down slightly from 8.9% in March.
Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight at NielsenIQ, said: “In recent weeks, more retailers have used loyalty schemes or money-off promotions to help stimulate sales.
“However, with inflation yet to peak and sales volumes in decline in many channels, it’s difficult to second guess the strength of consumer confidence.”
