Food prices squeeze UK consumers in a hot June

The BRC said retail spending increased by 4.9% in annual terms in June, roughly in line with its average this year, though stronger than May’s 3.9%. — Reuters

LONDON: Unusually hot weather boosted sales of sunscreen and barbecue food in the United Kingdom last month, a British Retail Consortium (BRC) survey shows, but consumers spent less on big-ticket items as high food prices hurt their budgets.

The BRC said retail spending increased by 4.9% in annual terms in June, roughly in line with its average this year, though stronger than May’s 3.9% and a 1% drop a year earlier.