Grocery goods ‘costing more’

Consumers are spending more on their weekly shopping than at the beginning of the year and the upward trend likely to continue, according to new a study.

Research carried out by retail analysts Verdict, suggests that the average supermarket food shop increased by 5.8% in May when compared with figures collated at the beginning of 2008.

Fruit and vegetables have seen the most significant price hike in recent months, with the cost of greens rising by 16% since January, the report claims.

The think-tank has also suggested that the cost of branded items is increasing more rapidly than supermarkets’ own brands, while cheaper product ranges have seen minimal price changes.

The study, which was based on a ‘typical basket’ of 100 grocery items, also predicts that food prices will continue to grow for the remainder of 2008 and the following year.

It said that such inflation patterns would prove ‘painful’ for consumers and may restrict the amount they could spend on other retail goods.

Latest statistics indicate that 13p in every pound is currently spent on food.