Emma Bedford
Senior Team Lead Food & Agriculture
Food inflation in the UK - statistics & facts
The average consumer in the United Kingdom has likely been feeling the pinch when purchasing essential day-to-day items in the supermarket. During a recent survey, a large share of respondents stated that their cost of living had increased over the last month. This figure peaked at 91 percent in August 2022 and was recently recorded at 59 percent in July 2025. Despite this decrease, just over half of the survey population still reported cost increases. Food is one of the hardest-hit categories during this period of high inflation. Prices of food in the UK increased by a record high of 19.1 percent in March 2023 when compared to 2022. In July 2025, food prices had increased by 4.9 percent, marking the fastest rise in grocery staple prices for 18 months.
Other major factors have also contributed to the increase in food prices. Droughts in the UK have reduced domestic crop yields, while extreme weather in other countries has driven up global wholesale prices for key commodities such as coffee beans and cocoa. Additionally, basic staples such as eggs and butter have seen significant price increases due to a combination of tight supplies and increased demand. Rising labour costs driven by increases in the minimum wage and broader employment expenses have also added pressure on producers and retailers. Furthermore, post‑Brexit trade barriers continue to create friction, increase costs, and cause delays in imports.
Why are prices rising?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine remains a key contributor to rising prices of everyday essentials in the UK. Together, Russia and Ukraine accounted for 53 percent of the global trade of sunflower oil and seeds and 27 percent of the global wheat trade in 2020. Exports have been hampered since the beginning of the conflict, pushing up the prices of sunflower oil and wheat-based products. Increased energy prices across Europe have also pushed up costs for food producers and retailers.Other major factors have also contributed to the increase in food prices. Droughts in the UK have reduced domestic crop yields, while extreme weather in other countries has driven up global wholesale prices for key commodities such as coffee beans and cocoa. Additionally, basic staples such as eggs and butter have seen significant price increases due to a combination of tight supplies and increased demand. Rising labour costs driven by increases in the minimum wage and broader employment expenses have also added pressure on producers and retailers. Furthermore, post‑Brexit trade barriers continue to create friction, increase costs, and cause delays in imports.
