The cost of food is beginning to stabilise after a 14 per cent increase in the last year, new figures show.
Data released by analysts Horizon reveal the price of food rose by 0.8 per cent in August, compared with 3.1 per cent in July, reports the Morning Advertiser.
Speaking to the publication, Peter Backman, spokesperson for the firm, said: "Despite food costs levelling out, operators still need to do what they can to mitigate cost increases such as reducing portion sizes, buying more cost-effectively and using cheaper cuts of meat, for example."
Although many restaurants and pubs have increased the prices they charge customers, the rises have not been keeping pace with the rate of food price inflation, he added.
Recently, the British Beer and Pub Association revealed five pubs are having to close their doors for good every day.
It found that 36 pubs a week have shut down since the start of the year.
