Inflation serves up price rise for traditional Christmas dinner

A festive roast with all the trimmings for four people will cost £27.48 this year – an increase on last year’s £26.59, figures revealed.

The rise has been caused by grocery inflation, which has leapt 3.2 percent year on year in the four weeks to November 28 – the highest rate since June last year.

The price rise was driven by a seven percent increase in the cost a frozen turkey to £12.46. Brussels sprouts have risen five percent, while the price of parsnips was up by six percent.

The amount consumers would typically pay for a Christmas pudding rose by five percent to £2.48.

But there was good news: a bottle of sparkling wine stayed the same at £6.47, while cranberry sauce fell in price by three percent and carrots dropped by 13 percent.

The figures were compiled by data specialists Kantar, who said that shopping patterns were yet to change despite soaring prices.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail at Kantar, said: “As we count down on our advent calendars to the big day, it’s clear that shoppers want to have some fun and make this Christmas extra special.

“Price inflation doesn’t seem to be denting their desire to treat themselves and loved ones.”

He added that consumer behaviour, such as switching to own label products, “hasn’t caught up” with rising prices.

source: express.co.uk