According to Kantar, a leading market research company, grocery price inflation in England has declined for the 14th consecutive month in April. This decline comes as a result of increased promotional activities across various supermarkets.
In the four weeks leading up to April 14, grocery price inflation in England stood at 3.2%, marking a slowdown from 4.5% in the previous four weeks. During this period, nearly 29.3% of supermarket sales were attributed to discounted products, representing the highest percentage since June 2021, excluding the Christmas period.
Fraser McKevitt, Kantar’s head of retail and consumer insights, noted that supermarkets’ focus on discounted items, coupled with lower prices for certain products like toilet paper, butter, and milk, contributed to the reduction in grocery price inflation. However, McKevitt cautioned that prices in several categories, including sugar, chocolate, fruit juices, and chilled drinks, were still experiencing significant increases.
The British Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported last week that overall UK inflation decelerated to 3.2% in March, with food price inflation slowing to 4%.
This decline in grocery price inflation suggests a trend of moderation in food prices, offering some relief to consumers amidst broader economic challenges.