According to the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index, food prices are currently up 2.8% from 2.6% in April from a year ago.
The latest figures show that food inflation has risen for the fourth consecutive month in May, with wholesale meat prices increasing the costs of supermarket shelves.
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-NIQ Shop Price Index, shop prices are 0.1% lower than a year ago and have not changed since April.
Non-food deflation fell to an additional 1.5% from 1.4% in April.
However, this has been slowed down in categories such as fashion and furniture as retailers began to unravel the intense promotional activities.
Meanwhile, retailers tried to encourage spending before the impact of potential knock-ons from US tariffs, which led to electricity prices falling faster, the BRC said.
However, food prices are 2.8% higher than a year ago, starting from 2.6% in April.
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Fresh food prices are up to 2.4% higher than last May, from 1.8% in April, especially rising rapidly.
Ambient food inflation fell to 3.3% from 3.6% in April.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said BRC CEO Helen Dickinson.
“Fresh food is the main driver, and red meat eaters may have noticed that steaks are a little more expensive as the prices of wholesale beef rise.
“It’s no surprise that inflation is now growing its head again as retailers are absorbing another £5 billion in costs from the employer’s national insurance contributions and the increase in national living wages in April.
“Later this year, retailers face an additional £2 billion in expenses from the new packaging tax, and there will be more employment costs on the horizon from the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill. The government needs to support workers’ rights while the Employment Rights Bill fits its purpose and protects investments for employment and growth.
“If retailers’ legal costs continue to rise, households must support themselves for more difficult times as prices rise faster.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insights at Nielseniq.
“If consumer trust is likely to look good, retailers may have to work hard to encourage shoppers to spend the summer.”
