In which EU country did prices increase the most? - Last year, Romania led with 6.7%. France, the most stable market
In 2025, food prices in the European Union increased by an average of 2.8%, however, the overall picture hides strong divergences from one country to another and large differentiations by product category. The increase in the cost of living did not develop at a uniform pace, confirming that the European food market remains fragmented and particularly sensitive to national and sectoral factors.
Romania topped the list of increases, with food prices rising by 6.7% in a year, more than double the European average. In contrast, France is among the most stable markets, with little change attributable to the strong role of state intervention, long-term contracts in the agri-food chain and the containment of profit margins in retail.
By product, increases were particularly noticeable in basic and "everyday" categories. Chocolates and cocoa products in general recorded an explosive growth of 17.8%, a development linked to reduced production, rising energy costs and pressures on international transport. Significant price increases were also recorded in frozen fruit and beef, products that are directly affected by both rising energy costs and changes in international demand.
On the other hand, some categories recorded spectacular declines. Olive oil recorded a price drop of 22.9%, the result of improved production in the main Mediterranean countries and the partial restoration of market balance after the extreme price increases of previous years. Sugar also followed a downward trend, reflecting the stabilization of global production and the reduction of pressures on raw materials.
The overall picture shows that, despite the relative slowdown in food inflation at the European level, consumers continue to experience strong variations both geographically and by product. These developments highlight the crucial role of agricultural production, energy policy and international markets in price formation, but also the need for targeted interventions in countries where the cost of basic food items is rising at rates that exceed household means.
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