According to FAO, the FAO Food Price Index rose in August, reaching its highest level since 2022, amid a general rise in prices, led primarily by sugar.
The same source noted that the FAO Food Price Index averaged 133.3 points in August 2026, up 2.5 points (1.9 percent) from its revised July value.
All price indices for product groups were higher than in the previous month, although the magnitude of the increases varied considerably from one group to another.
The Food Price Index gained 3.3 points (2.5 percent) from its value a year earlier, but remained 26.9 points (16.8 percent) below its peak level reached in March 2022.
International prices of major cereals all rose in August, driven by strong demand, weather-related concerns over harvest prospects in key producing regions, and persistent uncertainty about exports from the Black Sea.
The rise in vegetable oils is due to higher global prices of palm oil and soybean oil, which more than offset declines in sunflower oil and rapeseed oil.
The rise in meat prices is driven by higher prices for poultry, pork, and sheep meat, which was partially offset by a decline in beef prices.
The increase in prices of milk powder and cheese, while butter prices remained broadly stable, has contributed significantly to the rise in dairy products.
For sugar, price increases are mainly due, according to FAO, to growing concerns about the prospects for global sugar supply during the 2026-2027 season.
