Grocery Inflation Rises to 2.3% in September: Worldpanel Report

UK grocery inflation edged up to 2.3% over the four weeks to September 6, according to Worldpanel by Numerator, adding pressure to households already facing high living costs. The figure rose from 2.1% in the previous month’s update. Worldpanel said prices climbed fastest in categories including fresh fish and skincare. The report arrives ahead of official UK inflation data for August, due Wednesday. While UK food inflation hasn’t reached earlier forecast levels, Worldpanel pointed to factors such as supermarket competition and consumer pushback against further price rises. Industry forecasts from the Food and Drink Federation expect food inflation to approach nearly 4% by year-end and exceed 6% by mid-2027. Grocery sales rose 2.0% year-on-year, but volume was weaker once inflation was accounted for.