The country’s biggest supermarket chain has raised the price for its popular lunchtime meal deal for the first time in over a decade as costs soar.
Tesco revealed that the package, which typically brings together a sandwich, packet of crisps and a soft drink, would rise from £3.50 to £3.90 for customers who are not Clubcard holders.
Clubcard members, who account for 70% of meal deal customers, will see the price go up to £3.40 from £3.
The move reflects the surging cost of ingredients, manufacturing and transport in the wake of Russia’s war in Ukraine which forced up energy and many core commodity prices.
It was revealed earlier this week that food inflation was running at an annual rate of 14.5% – the highest level since 1980 – as extra costs are passed down across the economy.
Tesco separately announced on Friday that it was seeking 15,000 people to fill temporary jobs – mainly at its larger stores – over the festive season, saying it was “good news for job-hunting students and families looking to offset increasing bills” as the cost of living crisis mounts.
Rachel Bushby, the company’s people director, said: “We know times are tough out there at the moment, so this is a good opportunity for anyone looking to boost their income over the festive period or who needs to find a stepping stone back into the world of work.”
It revealed the hike in meal deal costs just weeks after claiming that it was “inflating prices a little bit less and a little bit later” than rivals as chains continue to fiercely compete for market share.
Industry data has shown significant additional demand for discounters’ offerings and own-label products which are traditionally cheaper than most branded goods.
Tesco said on 5 October that it expected annual profits at the lower end of its previous guidance, blaming uncertainty over how consumer spending will evolve.
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