Food prices rose by 3.5 per cent last month — as experts warn further hikes are on the horizon

FOOD prices crept up last month — and experts warn further rises are ahead due to Budget costs and a packaging tax.

Grocery inflation hit 3.5 per cent in March, up from 3.3 per cent, according to stats.

GettyFood prices crept up last month — and experts warn further rises are ahead due to Budget costs and a packaging tax[/caption]

Chocolate prices rose rapidly, particularly the cost of Easter eggs, the research by Kantar said.

Meanwhile, the hikes in butter and...