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Food inflation hits record levels

Soaring prices left many households with a ‘challenging Christmas,’ new figures show

FOOD inflation has accelerated to record levels as many households suffered a “challenging Christmas” due to soaring prices.

The price of food for shoppers jumped to 13.3 per cent in December, from 12.4 per cent in the previous month, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures show.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the consortium, said: “It was a challenging Christmas for many households across the UK.

“Not only did the cold snap force people to spend more on their energy bills, but the prices of many essential foods also rose as reverberations from the war in Ukraine continued to keep high the cost of animal feed, fertiliser and energy.”

Fresh food inflation leapt to 15 per cent for the month from 14.3 per cent in November, while the price of pasta and tinned food increased 11 per cent in December against the same month a year earlier.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Families will be looking at the year and wondering whether they will ever feel better off under the Tories. 

“With the growing cost of the weekly shop just one factor in this, the answer will be no. 

“Britain deserves more than just survival — working people want our country to thrive. 

“All 12 years of Tory government have left us with is higher prices, lower wages and growth on the floor.”

The figures follow recent research by consumer group Which? that found millions of people are skipping meals or struggling to put healthy meals on the table.

Which? head of policy Sue Davies said: “It’s hugely concerning that food prices are continuing to rise quickly.

“It is absolutely essential that households get the support they need from the government and businesses during the cost-of-living crisis.

“Supermarkets must ensure budget lines for healthy and affordable essential items are widely available across their stores. 

“Promotions should be targeted at those most in need and people supported so they can easily compare the price of products to get the best value.”

Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, said consumer demand is likely to be weak due to the impact of energy price increases and Christmas spending bills starting to arrive.

He said: “The increase in food inflation is going to put further pressure on household budgets and it’s unlikely that there will be any improvement in the consumer mind-set around personal finances in the near term.”

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