UK food inflation hits new low since last April: Supermarket own-brand products become a "life-saving straw", with a purchasing share exceeding 50% for the first time.

Due to UK consumers' tendency to purchase supermarket own-brand products and promotional items, the inflation rate of food and groceries in the UK has dropped to its lowest level since April of last year. According to a report released on Tuesday by Worldpanel by Numerator, in the four weeks ending on January 25, the year-on-year inflation rate for food and groceries in UK stores decreased slightly to 4%, providing some relief for budget-conscious consumers. At the same time, spending on promotional items increased by 10.9% compared to the previous year, indicating that supermarkets have intensified their marketing efforts, while sales of full-price items only increased by 1.7%. Purchases of supermarket own-brand products accounted for more than half of the total expenditure on food and groceries, reaching a record high. The latest data indicates that family budgets continue to face pressure. Earlier, some supermarkets reported that sales over the crucial Christmas period were lower than expected. Despite a slowdown in the rate of increase last month, the growth in food and grocery prices continues to outpace the overall inflation rate in the UK. The Bank of England predicts that the overall inflation rate will fall to the target level of 2% in the next quarter. Fraser McKevitt, Head of Retail and Consumer Insight at Worldpanel, said, "For most shoppers, the theme in January is to readjust family budgets, and this year is no exception. Although sales of food and groceries continue to grow and the inflation rate has dropped to its lowest point in months, 'value for money' remains a top consideration for many." In the latest data, discount retailer Lidl is the fastest-growing entity in the grocery sector, with its sales increasing by 10.1% in the 12 weeks ending on January 25 compared to the same period last year.