LONDON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Britain's total retail sales increased by 3.6 percent year on year in March, with food sales logging strong growth, data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) showed Tuesday.

The figure was also above the 12-month average growth of 2.6 percent, according to the BRC.

People purchase fruit in a shop in London, Britain, Jan. 17, 2024. (File photo: Xinhua)

Food sales increased by 6.8 percent year on year last month, above the 12-month average growth of 4.3 percent.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, attributed the strong growth to an early Easter, saying it provided a much-needed boost to food sales as families came together over the long weekend.

Non-Food sales rose by 0.9 percent year on year in March, below the 12-month average growth of 1.1 percent, the data also showed.

Linda Ellett, UK head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure of KPMG, said food and drink continued to drive monthly retail sales growth, with inflation a key factor. While non-food sales growth remains tepid as consumer spending caution is heightened by the current and potential impact of the Middle East conflict.

"Retailers hope that the Middle East ceasefire will bring lasting stability, but the outlook remains uncertain. Damage to supply chains has already been done, and rising costs, from shipping and fertilizer to insurance and commodities, are piling yet more pressure onto already stretched retailers," Dickinson added, calling for immediate measures to curb inflation.