UK food price inflation reached its highest since 1977 in March at over 19%. This official measure slowed to 14.9% in July and, while industry data showed it at 11.5% in August, rising food prices remain a major strain on the finances of many households. Monthly industry data has consistently shown Waitrose losing market share and underperforming rivals including industry leader Tesco (TSCO.L) and No. Earlier this month researcher Kantar said Waitrose had a UK grocery market share of 4.4%, down 0.2 percentage points year-on-year. While all British supermarkets have reduced the prices of some products in recent months, researcher the Institute of Grocery Distribution has said that UK food price inflation will still be around 9% in December.

---

Persons: Peter Cziborra, Kantar, Waitrose, James Davey, Emelia Sithole Organizations: Waitrose, REUTERS, Bank of England, John Lewis Partnership, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, of Grocery, Retailers, Thomson Locations: Harpenden, Britain, India