grocery prices

In the year 2022, the food we bought at the grocery store went up in price by 11 ½% and up another 5% last year.  But what about this year?   “Grocery prices are predicted to increase by 1.2%.”  A rate of food price inflation that Megan Sweitzer, USDA economist described as very, very low.  She added that grocery price inflation ha...

In August, many consumers were happy to hear that grocery store food prices fell 0.1% from July to August.  However, the Food Price Index during September did a big bounce back, going up by almost half a percent.   “That is the highest monthly growth in grocery prices since January," noted USDA economist Megan Sweitzer.  She added the Amer...

Agriculture Department economists are predicting that this year the foods we buy at the grocery store will go up in price by an average of 1.1%.  However, “Food away from home or restaurant, prices are predicted to increase by 4.1%, noted USDA econo...

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will look into why grocery prices are still high despite falling costs for retailers.  FTC Chair Lina Khan made the announcement during a public meeting with officials from the Justice Department on pricing practices. Whe...

A new survey finds consumers expect to pay more for groceries this year.  Progressive Grocer reports the 2023 KPMG Winter Consumer Pulse Survey shows consumers anticipate increased prices, but are looking for ways to save money.  The Survey shows consumers expect a 15% increase in grocery spending this year.  Meanwhi...

Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows food away from home spending varied during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In April 2020, spending at full-service restaurants declined 71% compared with April 2019.  Spending at fast-food restaurants fell 32%, and spending at all other food-away-from-home establishments dropped 41% over the same period.   Full-service res...

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 135.7 points in November 2022, virtually unchanged from October.  The index offered month-on-month decreases in the price indices for cereals, dairy and meat, nearly offsetting increases in vegetable oils and sugar.  At...

It looks like that Thanksgiving dinner is going to be more expensive this November.  Turkey prices are 73% higher than last year and analysts say they could stay that way through the holiday.  The dramatic increase is largely due to the spread of bird flu, which led to a smaller supply.  Accordi...

Senate Democrats are urging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons.  They are concerned about the transaction's potential implications for consumers.   The group of lawmakers includes Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar, Connecticut's Richard Blumenthal and New Jersey's Cory Booker.  In a letter ...

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization says food prices dropped 1.1% from August to September, marking the 6th straight monthly decline.  The drop in the Food Price Index was driven by a sharp fall in the international prices of vegetable oils and moderate decreases in those of sugar, meat, and dairy products.   Togeth...