UK grocery price inflation has increased, prompting shoppers to rely on special offers to manage their expenses. According to new figures from Worldpanel by Numerator, supermarket prices were 2.5% higher than last year in the four weeks leading up to 4 October, up from 2.3% the previous month.

Key Insights

  • Spending on promotions rose by over £250 million compared to last year.
  • Special offers are crucial for shoppers trying to keep grocery bills manageable.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, stated:

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"With the autumn budget fast approaching, the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on the minds of shoppers. And the cost of filling up a car is only adding to the pressure on household budgets."

He noted that more than half of shoppers are very or extremely worried about petrol prices, with nearly one in three feeling a significant financial impact. McKevitt expects this caution to persist until the chancellor announces his plans, leading shoppers to increasingly rely on promotions.