UK Grocery Inflation Falls to 2.1% as Heatwaves Shift Spending to Chilled Foods

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 18

Supermarket price inflation slowed to 2.1% in the four weeks to Aug. 9 from 2.6%, the lowest level since October 2024 and nearly two years.
Heatwaves helped drive the drop as shoppers bought more chilled and picnic foods while leaning harder on promotions, which featured in 31.3% of purchases — the highest share this year.
Household grocery spending still fell to £410, down £14.24 from the previous month, after July had been lifted by World Cup-related buying.
Hot-weather demand reshaped baskets: frozen fruit sales jumped 48.1%, sun cream 58.4%, ice cream and sorbet 26.1%, while 13% of evening meals were eaten after 8 p.m.
In the 12 weeks to Aug. 9, Ocado posted the fastest sales growth at 13.1%, Lidl gained the most market share to 8.8%, and Asda cut its sales decline to 0.2%.