UK food price inflation hits new high of 12.4%

Rise in cost of essentials will hit poorer households, already struggling with higher energy bills, hardest

UK food price inflation hit a new high of 12.4% in November as the price of basics such as eggs, dairy products and coffee shot up.

Fresh foods led the increase in prices - with inflation rising to 14.3% from 13.3% in October - with rises expected to continue into next year according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium trade body, which represents most big retailers, and the market research firm NielsenIQ.