U.S., April 2 -- As supply chain disruptions and labour shortages across the UK continue, retailers believe that food prices are likely to begin to rise.

Food inflation eased to 1.1% in March, a drop from 1.6% in February. These figures, put together by the British Retail Consortium, are below the 12 and 6 month averages of 1.6% and 1.4%.

"The recent upwards pressure on food prices slowed a little in March, with a slowdown in the rate of inflation in both ambient and fresh foods," commented Nielsen's Mike Watkins.

Inflation in fresh foods also eased for a third consecutive month, with prices rising by just 0.4% - the lowest inflation rate since March 2018. Inflation rates also slowed sharply in ambient foods, dropping to 2.0%.

Helen D...