LONDON, June 6 Reuters British retail sales growth slowed to a sevenmonth low in May as soaring food prices prompted shoppers to rein in spending on nonessential items and dashed hopes of a boost from three public holidays, the British Retail Consortium said on Tuesday.

The BRC said spending in its members39; stores increased 3.9 in annual terms last month, well above the 1.1 fall a year ago. However, sales were below the 5.2 rise in April.

May39;s retail sales growth was the slowest since the 1.6 recorded in October 2022 when consumers cut back on purchases as inflation soared to a 41year high of 11.1. The BRC data is not adjusted for inflation, so May39;s sales growth reflects a fall in the volume of goods purchased.

Food was almost the only area where consumers spent more last month, due to higher prices as well as celebrations to mark the coronation of King Charles.

The wild card for the retail sector remains uncontrollable food inflation, which shows little sign of coming down in the near future, and this is having a significant knockon effect on nonessential spending, said Paul Martin, UK head of retail at accountants KPMG, who sponsor the data.

Official figures showed consumer price inflation fell less than expected in April, while food price inflation remained near a 46year high at 19.1, raising markets39; bets that interest rates will peak at 5.5 later this year.

The Bank of England, which is expected to increase Bank Rate to 4.75 from 4.5 on June 22, has…