Food price inflation fell slightly over the last month as commodity prices eased, new figures from the British Retail Consortium show.

The latest BRC statistics show food inflation fell to four per cent in January from 4.1 per cent in December.

“Food inflation was marginally down on the previous month, a reflection of easing commodity costs filtering through and better fresh food prices,' said BRC director general Helen Dickinson. 'There is some volatility in the system but, barring any major shocks in the supply chain, I still expect stable food inflation as the year goes on.

“Overall shop price inflation is at its lowest since November 2009, helping counter much bigger increases in other household costs which are undermining customers’ spending power. With consumer confidence creeping up, retailers will be hoping for an increased willingness to buy more than just immediate needs.”