Scorching surge in grocery inflation after 'hottest May'

GROCERY price inflation shot up to 4.1% during May, driven by chocolate and suncare products in the hottest start to the month on record.

- By Amber Murray

The latest rise follows a 3.8% jump in April and a 1.8% increase in March, according to Kantar.

"This latest jump in grocery price inflation takes us into new territory for 2025," said Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at the market researcher.

He added: "Households have been adapting their buying habits to manage budgets for some time, but we typically see changes in behaviour once inflation tips beyond the 3% to 4% point as people notice the impact on their wallets more."