Food prices have become on average 5.9% more expensive in one year according to Belgian consumer organization, Test Achats.
The consumer organization analysed 3,000 products sold in the major supermarkets across the country. Tomatoes, spaghetti and frying oil have seen their prices even increase by more than 25%.
Rising costs of raw materials, energy, transport and packaging affect the entire food chain. The costs affect everyone, from the farmer to the distributor, including the manufacturer, before finally reach the consumer, Test Achats says in a press release.
The price of paper has also increased, affecting the final consumer prices for toilet rolls, kitchen paper and napkins (+20%).
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Dairy products are now on average 7.7% more expensive than last year. Butter in particular saw its price continue to increase (+17.9%).
Vegetables are on average 8.3% more expensive, with a most significant increase for tomatoes (+31,5%), cucumbers (+10.8%) and potatoes (+9.6%).
Fruits are 1.9% more expensive compared to last year, and the price for oranges, mango and lemon is cheaper than 2021.
Test Achats notes that it is cheaper to buy certain products directly from the producer, for example at food markets.
