Grocery Inflation Climbs as Supermarket Visits Reach Four-Year High

Despite rising prices, UK households are increasing supermarket trips, with sales peaking due to Halloween and early Christmas preparations.

Supermarket prices increased by 2.3% in October compared to the previous year, slightly higher than September's 2% rise.
Total take-home sales reached £11.6 billion over the four weeks to November 3, marking the busiest month since the first lockdown in 2020.
The number of shopping trips hit 480 million, averaging over four trips per household per week, but still below pre-Covid levels.
Halloween contributed to the sales surge, with confectionery sales rising by 13% for chocolates and 7% for sweets.
Retailers like Ocado and Lidl saw significant growth, with Lidl remaining the fastest-growing brick-and-mortar retailer for the 15th consecutive period.