Food prices have risen at their fastest pace for 18 months amid surges in the cost of chocolate, butter and eggs, latest figures show.Food inflation lifted to 4.2% this month from 4% in July, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-NIQ Shop Price Monitor.It marked the highest level since February 2024.Bosses at the trade body warned that the acceleration in price increases "adds pressure" to families who are already under pressure from the cost of living.

Food prices have risen at their fastest pace for 18 months amid surges in the cost of chocolate, butter and eggs, latest figures show.Food inflation lifted to 4.2% this month from 4% in July, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-NIQ Shop Price Monitor.It marked the highest level since February 2024.Bosses at the trade body warned that the acceleration in price increases "adds pressure" to families who are already under pressure from the cost of living.