Eurozone food prices have risen by one-third compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Croatia seeing an increase of 47%.

The European Central Bank's price stability objective is reflected in the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP), which represents the cost for an average household to purchase a basket of typical goods and services, including spending on energy, services, non-durable goods, and food. Food accounts for around 20% of the basket. The latest data from August 2025 shows that food price inflation remains the highest among all components of the HICP, currently at 3.2%.

The extent of price increases varies significantly across different product categories and countries. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, meat prices, including beef, poultry, and pork, have risen by over 30%; milk prices have increased by about 40%, and butter prices by 50%. The prices of coffee, olive oil, cocoa, and chocolate have risen even more sharply.

Among euro area countries, food price increases were the lowest in Cyprus at 20% and the highest in Estonia at 57%, with Croatia seeing a 47% increase in food prices.