Food prices in Belgium rise more sharply than in neighbouring countries
Food prices in Belgium have risen more than in most of its neighbouring countries in the past three years, according to the French IÉSEG School of Management.
The institute's lastest report on inflation compares the increase in food prices between Belgium and other eurozone countries from October 2021 to October 2024. The average price for food products excluding beverages rose by 27 per cent in Belgium. In eight eurozone countries, food prices rose less sharply over the past three years, including Luxembourg, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
There are large differences between products in Belgium. The biggest increase was for olive oil, for which prices went up by 100.6 per cent. The prices of potatoes and eggs also shot up, by 48.3 and 42.1 per cent respectively.
The smallest increase was for dried fruits and nuts, whose prices rose by 7.2 per cent. In the category of beverages, spirits and liqueurs became 7.9 per cent more expensive and strong beers 10.9 per cent.
For many essential foods, price increases were sharper in Belgium than in neighbouring countries. This was the case for bread, poultry, cheeses, whole milk and eggs. A few products, however, rose less sharply in price in Belgium, including sugar, beef and spices.
Illustration © PHOTO EUC / ROPI VIA ZUMA PRESS
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