UK grocery inflation rises to 2.3%, Asda returns to growth

(Sharecast News) - UK grocery price inflation edged higher in the four weeks to 6 September, although it remained relatively subdued, according to the latest figures from Worldpanel by Numerator. Like-for-like grocery price inflation rose to 2.3%, picking up from the month before but "significantly lower than the levels we saw earlier in the year, giving households some welcome breathing room", according to Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel by Numerator.

Take-home grocery sales increased 2.0%, though shopping activity eased as the summer holidays ended, with 18m fewer trips to grocers than at July's peak of 497m.

According to the data, value-for-money remained front of mind, particularly for parents buying things like uniform ahead of the start of the academic year. Average spend per shopper on school uniform was £54.53, down 12.4% from last year, with people turning to promotions and second-hand shopping, the report said.

"It's a clear sign that, for many families, the return to school is landing at a difficult time financially, and retailers who can offer reassurance on price without compromising on quality stand will stand in good stead," McKevitt said.

In terms of supermarket performances, Asda sales rose 0.1% over the 12 weeks to 6 September, marking its first growth since March 2024, with market share at 11.5%.

Ocado remained the fastest-growing grocer, with sales up 13.3%, while Lidl grew 8.0% and increased its market share to 8.7%. Tesco sales rose 1.7%, while Sainsbury's and Morrisons grew 2.9% and 2.8%, respectively.