FOOD inflation has risen for the fourth month in a row with prices now 2.8 per cent higher than a year ago.

The latest figures show that fresh food prices are rising particularly quickly, up to 2.4 per cent higher than last May from April’s 1.8 per cent.

According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-NIQ Shop Price Index food inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month in May with rises in wholesale meat prices increasing the cost of steak on supermarket shelves.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “While overall shop prices remain unchanged in May, food inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month.

“Fresh foods were the main driver, and red meat eaters may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive as wholesale beef prices increased.”

Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, warned that increasing prices is an extra challenge to consumer spending alongside rising household bills.

“If consumer confidence remains weak as looks likely, then retailers may have to work harder to encourage shoppers to spend over the summer,” he added.