FDF response to September inflation figures

Balwinder Dhoot, Director of Sustainability and Growth, The Food and Drink Federation:

“While food and drink inflation fell in September, food and drink prices are rising at a rate which is still significantly above average. We welcome the Chancellor's recent announcement to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses want to see it put into practice quickly to help hard-pressed shoppers. We also need a long term plan to turbocharge productivity and build resilience in the food sector, rather than short term fixes. Government can do this by supporting the transition to higher skilled jobs, promoting British food brands abroad, and creating a regulatory environment that gives manufacturers the confidence to invest in the UK and benefit shoppers."

Background:

• On a monthly basis, food and non-alcoholic drink prices fell by 0.2% in September 2025. This was the first time since May 2024 that prices have fallen on the month.
• The year-on-year food and non-alcoholic drink inflation slowed to 4.5% in September, down from 5.1% in August. This was the first time since March 2025 that the annual rate has slowed.
• The ONS reports on 49 main food and non-alcoholic drink product categories, which have seen a mixed performance. Five categories saw inflation in double digits: beef and veal (26.9%), chocolate (18.1%), butter (17.5), coffee (13.4%), and whole milk (12.0%).
• Prices fell the fastest for: olive oil (-15.4%), flours (-6.2%), sugar (-3.9%), frozen seafood (-3.2%) and pasta (-2.6%).