Shop price inflation drops to lowest level since 2022

Shop Price annual inflation eased to 2.9% in January, down from 4.3% in December, marking the lowest level since May 2022.

It comes as non-food inflation fell to 1.3% in January, down from 3.1% in December. This is below the three-month average rate of 2.4%.

Meanwhile, food inflation decelerated to 6.1% in January, down from 6.7% in December. This is below the three-month average rate of 6.8% and is the ninth consecutive deceleration in the food category and marks its lowest level since June 2022.

Fresh Food inflation also slowed further in January, to 4.9%, down from 5.4% in December. This is below the three-month average rate of 5.6%.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Some New Year cheer as January shop price inflation slid to its lowest level since May 2022. Non-food goods drove the fall, as many retailers offered heavily discounted goods in their January sales to entice consumer spend amidst weak demand. Good news for the morning brew as the price of tea and milk fell, while evening tipples remained more expensive on the back of increased alcohol duties.

“Retailers have spent the last eight months working to bring down inflation, but progress will likely be hampered by new cost pressures coming direct from government – including implementing the increase in the National Living Wage on top of an above inflation rise in business rates this April, a potential new grocer ‘surtax’ in Scotland, and ill-conceived recycling proposals.”

She added: “Rising geopolitical tensions will also add to uncertainty and costs in supply chains. With a General Election later this year, we want to see political parties outline how they will help unlock investment across the country rather than the current trajectory which is doing just the opposite.”