Shop Prices Back in the Slow‑Moody Lane
Back in December 2021 the grocery bill finally decided to give up its relentless creep and hit its most laid‑back pace.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) – NielsenIQ Shop Price Index shows that last month’s prices were just 1.3 % higher than in March 2023, a stark drop from the 2.5 % acceleration seen in February.
Food vs. “Fun‑Food” Prices
- Non‑food items, excluding the midnight snack that’s basically dinner, see a 0.2 % rise – a sweet drop from February’s 1.3 %.
- During Easter, chocolate treats climbed a bit because cocoa and sugar prices hit a peak, yet the major supermarkets rolled out mega‑discounts on the classics.
- Dairy prices eased too; farmgate costs went down and retailers stepped in to keep the fridge-friendly staples affordable.
- Electronics, clothing, and footwear – the endless parade of convenience? Those prices also slipped thanks to higher‑than‑normal promos spicing up shopper enthusiasm.
Industry Hook‑Lines
Helen Dickinson, head of BRC, noted: “Easter goodies are pricier than before thanks to global cocoa and sugar hikes, but the competition between retailers means you’ll get cracking deals that bring prices back down month‑to‑month.”
Mike Watkins, lead researcher at NielsenIQ, added: “Inflation is still pulling at a lower rate, and this month food prices have slid again. A year ago, food inflation was about 15 %, so this is all part of the plate‑spinning cycle. Supermarkets are circling their aisles with discounted traffic‑making tactics, especially around Mother’s Day and now right before Easter to bring in the crowds.”
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