Grocery inflation 2.3 in four weeks to Nov. 3, says Kantar
UK grocery sales up 2.0 in period
Some consumers starting Christmas shopping early
Ocado and Lidl are fastest growing UK grocers
Asda remains the laggard

LONDON, Nov 12 Reuters British shoppers faced renewed pressure on their budgets in October after grocery price inflation edged higher for the second month in a row, industry data showed on Tuesday.

Market researcher Kantar said annual grocery price inflation was 2.3 in the four weeks to Nov. 3, having been 2.0 in the previous fourweek period.

The data showed prices are rising fastest in products such as chilled soft drinks and chocolate confectionery, and falling fastest in items such as toothbrushes, household paper products and sparkling wine.

UK supermarkets have warned that tax rises in the new Labour government39;s first budget last month, together with another rise in the national minimum wage, will be inflationary.

Official data published last month showed overall UK inflation eased to 1.7 in September. Data for October will be published Nov. 20.

Kantar said grocery sales rose 2.0 over the four week period yearonyear to 11.6 billion pounds 14.9 billion the biggest sales month of the year so far.

The researcher said there were signs that some consumers were starting their Christmas shopping early. It noted that 648,000 shoppers have already bought a Christmas cake, while 14.4 of households purchased mince pies in October.

Over the 12 weeks to…