UK PPI output index: food products
UK PPI output index: food products stood at 144.8 in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Producer price inflation table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Dec 2008 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Producer price inflation table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output price index by product group | |||||||||||
| C10 Food products | 144.8 | 144.7 | 145.2 | 145.1 | 145.1 | 144.6 | 145 | 145.9 | 146.3 | 146.4 | |
| C11 Beverages | 140.8 | 141.1 | 141.3 | 140.6 | 140.9 | 141.6 | 141.7 | 140.8 | 140.1 | 139 |
Understanding UK PPI output index: food products
Factory gate prices charged by domestic processors for food items manufactured within the United Kingdom for human consumption are tracked by this specific output index. The measure encompasses meat processing, dairy production, bakery items, grain milling, and prepared meals sold to supermarkets or wholesalers, while leaving out raw agricultural produce sold directly from farms and imported foodstuffs. Unlike beverage or tobacco manufacturing indices, this series captures a highly diverse array of perishable and ambient goods whose cost structures are directly tied to volatile global agricultural commodity markets and domestic farming contracts.
Reading these monthly figures requires accounting for seasonal harvest cycles, livestock supply shifts, and packaging material cost fluctuations that quickly feed into processed food pricing. Early estimates are routinely subject to revision as food manufacturers submit delayed pricing returns or correct contractual adjustments. Twelve-month growth comparisons provide the most reliable analytical signal, filtering out predictable seasonal discounting and promotional cycles common in the grocery supply chain. When comparing this series with retail food price measures, analysts should remember that supermarket pricing strategies, promotional discounting, and distribution logistics introduce a substantial wedge between factory gate charges and final shopfloor prices.
Frequently Asked Questions: Q: Are raw, unprocessed vegetables sold at farm gates included in this index? A: No, raw agricultural produce sold without industrial processing is excluded, as this series covers only manufactured and processed food products. Q: How do global agricultural commodity markets affect these figures? A: Since domestic food processors rely heavily on imported grains, oils, and other commodities, international market shocks frequently influence domestic factory gate prices. Q: Does this measure reflect the prices paid by shoppers in supermarkets? A: No, it measures the prices charged by food processing factories to their commercial buyers before retail markups and distribution costs are added.
Frequently asked questions
- Are raw, unprocessed vegetables sold at farm gates included in this index?
- No, raw agricultural produce sold without industrial processing is excluded, as this series covers only manufactured and processed food products.
- How do global agricultural commodity markets affect these figures?
- Since domestic food processors rely heavily on imported grains, oils, and other commodities, international market shocks frequently influence domestic factory gate prices.
- Does this measure reflect the prices paid by shoppers in supermarkets?
- No, it measures the prices charged by food processing factories to their commercial buyers before retail markups and distribution costs are added.