In the latest annual study of menu price inflation, MCA, found menu prices ran at 3% price inflation. Across 111 operators subject to the study, 49% of menu items increased in price with only 3% falling in price.

At the same time the study highlighted that entry prices for restaurants had increased between 4 and 5.5 percent depending on the dish.

With an average 3% exit price of dishes we can imply that operators, subject to cost pressure, are choosing to absorb some of the price rises.

It is anticipated that prices will rise between 2-3% again over the coming year, though the final figure will depend on the state of the consumer economy.

Read more: Menu price inflation hits 3%