Food inflation edged back up to 4.9% in October, making it the largest driver of consumer price rises last month.
While consumer price inflation fell to 3.6% in the 12 months to October – down from 3.8% in September, and the first fall since March 2025 – the decrease was slightly less than expected, thanks in part to higher food prices.
The Office for National Statistics highlighted the price of processed food and non-alcoholic beverages as particular contributors to increased food prices – though soaring costs in individual categories, including a 27% rise in beef and veal prices, also helped push the cost of a shop higher.
The fall in overall inflation was thanks to a new energy price cap, and was helped by an early start to Black Friday promotions in clothing and foodwear.
BRC director of insight Kris Hamer said the rise in food prices was “unwelcome news” just a week before the chancellor’s new budget.
”There will also be some relief that, while the cost of the weekly shop remains high, some products including olive oil did fall in price on the month,” he added.
“Having seen the inflationary impact last year’s Budget, it is essential that the Chancellor does not come knocking at the door of retail once again. With prices still high and consumers feeling the pinch, the Budget is a crucial opportunity to alleviate some of the price pressures bearing down on the industry.
“Fulfilling the manifesto pledge to reduce the business rates burden on the high street will allow retailers to invest more to keep prices in check, benefiting households across the country.”
FDF CEO Karen Betts likewise said it was “very concerning” to see food prices rise in the approach to Christmas, but manufacturers were “hard-pressed” and “had simply no choice but to increase prices
“Food and drink manufacturers are paying nearly 40% more for ingredients and energy than they were in January 2020, as well as bearing a range of newer regulatory costs, like new packaging taxes and increases to employer national insurance.
“As the Budget approaches, food manufacturers are nervous, with nine in ten worried about the impact of additional costs and taxes on food prices. We want instead to see government step up and support our sector, by protecting businesses from unwelcome tax surprises and partnering with us to drive growth and build resilience, to help prevent future price rises for shoppers.”
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