Italian food prices have risen for the first time in six years, buoyed by recovery in what is currently an over-performing fresh fruit and vegetable business.
Vegetable prices in Italy are now almost 11 per cent higher on average than they were 12 months ago, according to new data published by national farming association Coldiretti.
And with average prices for fruit also reported to be 3.6 per cent up on the previous year, the Italian fresh produce business has apparently helped take the country’s food market out of deflation.
“Following six consecutive years of decreases, food consumption has gone back to increasing in 2015 with a positive effect on prices,” the group said, pointing to an overall price increase of 1 per cent for food prices.
“This is a change that should be transferred to agricultural companies with adequate returns for products that in many cases are below the cost of production,” it added.
Italy’s food market is currently worth a total of €215bn.
