Price increase for food: quark and ketchup now much more expensive

Price increase for food: quark and ketchup now much more expensive

rising food prices are an issue that affects many people. The focus is particularly on astonishingly high price increases in some staple foods that were noticeable last year. This is a sign of complex challenges in the food industry that are influenced by several factors. The developments are worrying and show how sensitive our nutritional prices react to different external influences.

An outstanding example is the curd cheese, which was impressive 72.6 percent more expensive in July 2024 than four years ago. Among other things, the increase in costs is due to the reduction in milk quantities in the production process, coupled with a lower fat content in raw milk. These trends are not new; As early as between 2021 and 2022, consumers were able to observe price fluctuations. The complexity of the curd manufacture also seems to play a role, as the spokesman for the Federal Association of German Dairy farmers, Hans Foldenauer, explains.

price increases in ketchup and vegetable monks

also tomato ketchup and spice ketchup have experienced a massive price increase of 64.9 percent. According to the Kulinaria food association, this was mainly caused by the increase in costs for important ingredients such as tomato paste and vinegar, while energy prices and packaging costs have also increased. These increases can be seen in the context of general inflation and rising raw material prices.

A similar picture shows itself in the case of canned goods. Asparagus and vegetable monks recorded price increases of 64.5 percent. According to Christoph Freitag, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Fruit, Vegetable and Potato Processing Industry, the consequences of a bad harvest year 2022 are responsible throughout Europe and the increasing production costs. The increase in prices for the raw materials, energy and logistics have additionally burdened consumer prices.

oils, including rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, have also experienced a dramatic price boom. Experts report an increase of 63.4 percent due to the major trading problems in connection with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Before the war, Ukraine was one of the greatest exporters, and the EU moved into a significant part of its oils from this country. The sudden price increase meant that many shelves remained empty in supermarkets. Recently, however, consumer prices for oil have declined somewhat.

price development and consumer advice

Despite this prize gesture, which has been significant since 2020, with many products that have become 30 percent or more more expensive, there are also exceptions. According to the Federal Statistical Office, citrus fruits are currently around 2 percent cheaper than four years ago. A high delivery of Spain, especially in lemons, resulted in a drop in prices. The best harvests of the last period and a weak seasonal demand also contributed to the falling prices.

However, consumers are concerned about the steadily increasing food prices. While some products, such as carrots or onions, have dropped in price last year, general food prices still show an increase of 1.3 percent compared to the previous month. Jana Fischer from the consumer center warns that weather phenomena such as drought and heavy rain could have a profound influence on future price development.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the markets will stabilize or change in the coming months. The constant adaptation of the prices illustrates the challenge with which both consumers and producers are faced. It remains to be hoped that the situation will soon improve, but the uncertainties remain a constant companion on the way to the supermarket.