The rise inflation was attributed to the rise in price of fish, with prices up by 19.9% on year previously, and continued inflation in sugar, meat, cereals and vegetables. The weak pound, rising oil prices and climatic and regional issues, also affected foodservice prices.
Christopher Clare, head of consulting and insight at Prestige Purchasing, said: “Whilst the inflationary figures regarding fish will no doubt make the headlines this month, the overall level of inflation has really been driven by ‘across the board’ price increases as the real effects of a prolonged depression in the value sterling take their toll on operators - being informed at times like this is critical.”
Sugar, chocolate and confectionary inflation is now over 10% due to lower than usual exports and rising prices from UK beet producers.
Figures from the index also reveal the large gap between the Foodservice Price Index and the Consumer Price Index, which changed 1.2% in the last 12 months.
Phil Tate, chief executive of CGA strategy, said: “With inflation unlikely to ease soon, foodservice companied will need to adopt smart pricing strategies and stay nimble and flexible in their purchasing in the coming months.”