Global food prices show slight increase in February

Yesterday 23:00

Global food prices experienced a slight increase in February, according to the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The FAO food price index reached 125.3 points, marking a 0.9% rise compared to its revised January value, though still 1.0% lower than the level recorded a year earlier.

This increase ended a five-month downward trend, driven mainly by rising prices for wheat, most vegetable oils, and several types of meat. These gains offset declines in cheese and sugar prices, the FAO reported.

The cereal price index rose 1.1% compared to January, largely due to higher global wheat prices following reports of frost in parts of Europe and the United States. Secondary cereal prices also showed modest growth, while the rice price index advanced 0.4% from the previous month.

Vegetable oil prices recorded the most significant increase, climbing 3.3% to reach their highest level since June 2022. Meat prices rose 0.8% from January, whereas dairy prices fell 1.2%, mainly due to lower cheese costs. Whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder prices increased, while butter experienced its first monthly gain since peaking in June 2025.

In contrast, the sugar price index decreased by 4.1% compared to January and has dropped 27.3% since February 2025. These shifts reflect the complex dynamics of global food markets and underline the continuing impact of climatic conditions, trade flows, and market demand on international food prices.