Some brands of plant-based margarine have had price reductions of up to 25 percent at certain chains in August. According to Matpriskollen's CEO Ulf Mazur, it appears to be a price war against animal-based fat on the breakfast table.
Otherwise, it has been relatively calm in the food stores. Compared to July, food prices remained completely still in August. This means that the rapid food price increases that characterized the inflation years 2022 and 2023 have come to an end. Over the past year, average food prices have increased by a more normal 2.2 percent.
However, it does not mean a return to what applied before the price shock. Compared to January 2022, food prices have generally increased by 24 percent.
Among different product groups, in addition to the aforementioned plant-based margarines, vegetables have seen the largest price drop in August compared to July – down 1.2 percent on average. The largest price increases are seen among chocolate, fruit, and berries, according to Matpriskollen, whose statistics are based on approximately 43,000 products.
Looking ahead, there is a risk that dairy products will become more expensive in the fall since Arla has once again offered farmers more money for milk. Orange juice may also continue to rise in price since the global market price has increased significantly.
Otherwise, there is no visible upward price pressure on food at present, according to Ulf Mazur.
