UK retailers have seen the sharpest fall in food volumes in almost a quarter of a century, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics.

UK food sales volumes fell 4.2% in June against the same period in 2010, which the ONS said was "the largest fall on record since the series began in 1988". In value terms, sales were up 1.3%.

Over the last 18 months, there have been only two months when volumes rose, the ONS said. This April, volumes were up 1.4% growth; in January 2010, volumes climbed 1.1%.

The ONS found that both large and small stores saw volumes decline in June. Sales volumes at larger outlets fell 4.2%. At small stores, volumes slid 4.4%.

According to the ONS data, food prices are estimated to have increased by 5.8% year-on-year. The UK's inflation rate stands at 4.2%.

Overall, UK retail sales rose 4% in value terms in June year-on-year. Volumes increased 0.4%.