Food inflation decelerates to 3.7% in March, down from 5.0% in February

  • Shop price inflation falls to lowest level in two years
  • Food inflation decelerates to 3.7% in March, down from 5.0% in February
  • Non-food inflation falls to 0.2% in March, down from 1.3% in February
  • Inflation is at its lowest since January 2022
  • Fresh Food inflation slows to 2.6% in March, down from 3.4% in February
  • Ambient Food inflation decelerates to 5.2% in March, down from 7.2% in February
  • Retailers compete fiercely to bring prices down for customers
  • Retailers face increased cost pressures that could impact inflation
  • Industry calls for pro-growth government policy to support investment and lower prices
  • Intense competition among supermarkets drives footfall with price cuts and promotions

Shop Price annual inflation eased to 1.3% in March, down from 2.5% in February, marking its lowest level since December 2021. Non-Food inflation fell to 0.2% in March, down from 1.3% in the preceding month. Inflation is its lowest since January 2022. The largest contribution to the fall was from food inflation as it decelerated to 3.7% in March, down from 5.0% in February. Fresh Food inflation slowed further in March, to 2.6%, down from 3.4% in February, while Ambient Food inflation decelerated to 5.2% in March, down from 7.2% in February. Retailers continue to compete fiercely to bring prices down for their customers. However, retailers now face increased cost pressures that could put progress on bringing down inflation at risk. The industry calls for pro-growth government policy to support investment and help keep down prices for households. Intense competition among supermarkets drives footfall with price cuts and promotions.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides factual information about the changes in shop price inflation, specifically focusing on food and non-food categories. It includes quotes from industry experts to support the data presented. There are no obvious signs of bias, sensationalism, or inaccuracies in the reporting.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed analysis of the Shop Price annual inflation trends, including specific data points and comparisons over time. It also includes quotes from industry experts to provide additional insights. The information is relevant and focused, without delving into unrelated topics. The article supports its claims with evidence and data, making it informative and actionable for readers interested in retail and inflation trends.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information on inflation rates, which can impact financial markets and companies, particularly those in the retail and food sectors.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article discusses inflation rates and the impact on consumer prices, but does not mention any extreme events.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk