Overview
- ECIU, which published its analysis Sunday, projects grocery prices to stand about 50% higher by November than at the start of the cost‑of‑living crisis in mid‑2021.
- The think tank cites extreme weather, disrupted trade linked to the Middle East conflict, and fertiliser and fuel costs as forces lifting farm and factory expenses.
- Official data show annual grocery inflation of 3.8%, which suggests the latest climate and geopolitical shocks have not yet fully reached shelves.
- Households paid about £605 more for food across 2022 and 2023, including roughly £244 traced to energy costs, while staples like pasta, eggs and beef are up 50%–64% and olive oil 113%.
- Consumer groups report millions skipping meals and warn low‑income families face heightened hunger and health risks as budgets run out of room.