10 Jan 2026, 13:18 Updated: 17h ago
Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts was hopeful for the year ahead, saying prices were more likely to be stable in 2026
10 Jan 2026, 13:18 | Updated: 17h ago
“We’ve seen food inflation come down and…we’d expect that to continue,” Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts told reporters.
Picture:
Alamy
Sainbury’s CEO Simon Roberts says that food inflation is expected to continue falling in 2026.
UK grocery inflation was 4.3% in the four weeks to December 28, according to industry data published on January 9. This was an easing from the 4.7% level recorded in the previous four week period.
Boss of Britain’s second largest supermarket group, Mr Roberts was hopeful for the year ahead, saying prices were more likely to be stable in the new year.
“We’ve seen food inflation come down and when you think about the outlook for the year ahead we’d expect that to continue.”
Read more: Sainsbury’s struggling as Argos sales dwindle
Read more: Amazon get the go-ahead to deliver by drone
Sainsbury’s, who purchased Argos back in 2016, have reported less-than-stellar figures for the retailer over the Christmas period.
Picture:
Alamy
He also added that Sainsbury’s wasn’t facing the same hike in social security costs for employees that it had in 2025.
“Whilst wages are still increasing, those are things that we planned for over a long period of time,” Roberts added.
From April, Britain’s main minimum wage rate jumps a further 4.1%.
New industry data also recorded an increase in food sales for the supermarket, with an increase of 5.4 per cent over the festive season – although still down from the previous quarter – with shoppers reaching for healthier fresh food, as well as premium dine in products over Christmas.