Food sales growth slows as consumer uncertainty increases

Nevertheless over the three months to the end of October food sales increased by 0.3% like-for-like and 1.5% overall.

Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, said: “Some people started their Christmas shopping early with beauty advent calendars flying off the shelves and searches for Christmas items ramping up online.

“Retailers are doing everything they can to offer customers the choice and availability required throughout the industry’s busiest period, prioritising the food and other festive products needed to celebrate.

“Retailers are hopeful that demand will continue right through the golden quarter, however, there are challenges ahead with higher prices on the horizon compounded by the many increasing costs faced by consumers such as higher energy bills and rising national insurance.”

But rising costs are affecting customers too, said Susan Barratt, chief executive of the IGD.

She added: “Shoppers are torn in different directions. Some 40% stated that environmental impact was important when food shopping, up from 36% in September 2021.

“Helping shoppers navigate through rising prices while also addressing environmental concerns will be a key challenge for the food industry.”