Grocery inflation edges up as sales of essentials jump for 'Be Ready' campaign

Grocery inflation in the UK edged higher in October as sales of essentials jumped after the launch of the Government’s “Be Ready” campaign, according to Worldpanel by Numerator. Supermarket prices were 2.6% higher than a year earlier, up from 2.5% in September. Worldpanel said the direction of travel has shifted despite a slower pace than at the start of the year. The report links budget pressure to the October rise in the energy price cap. Sales of key supplies rose from Oct. 22, when the campaign encouraged households to prepare for up to three days of disruption. Within 10 days, hand sanitiser sales climbed 83%, bottled water 67% and canned/jarred goods 37%. Online-only grocer Ocado gained, with 12.3% growth over 12 weeks to Nov. 1 for a record 2.3% share.