In 2025, food prices in Poland reached the highest level in a decade. regular purchases are becoming an expanding burden for home budgets, and Poles are anxious to see further increases. What are the causes of this situation and what products have been the most expensive? Are there solutions that could bring relief to consumers?
Record prices – data that leave no illusions
According to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), food prices in December 2024 increased on average by 15.6% year-on-year. The biggest increases were recorded for:
- Poultry meat – price increased by 22% compared to 2023,
- Bread – growth by 19%,
- Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets) 25%,
- Oils and fats – prices jumped by 18%, which continues the growth observed in erstwhile years.
A somewhat smaller increase was observed in fruit (average 6.5%) and milk and milk preparations (about 9%).
Causes of rising food prices
Experts point to respective key factors that have contributed to evidence increases:
- Inflation
Although inflation in Poland fell from evidence levels of 2022, it inactive remains comparatively advanced – it amounted to 8.3% in December 2024. Higher energy, transport and labour costs translate into retail prices for food products. - Climate change and adverse weather conditions
The year 2024 was 1 of the driest years in Polish history. Drought was peculiarly affected by east and confederate regions, which affected smaller crops of cereals and vegetables. In turn, dense rainfall in spring destroyed any crops in another regions. - War in Ukraine
The conflict over our east border inactive affects the prices of agricultural natural materials specified as wheat and vegetable oils. Ukraine, as 1 of the largest exporters of these products, faces logistics problems and reduced production. - Production and distribution costs
The increase in fuel and energy prices has increased transport and retention costs. In addition, the introduction of fresh EU regulations, specified as CO2 reductions, has increased the cost of food production which is yet passed on to consumers.
How do Poles cope with higher prices?
More and more Poles are looking for ways to save in regular shopping. A survey by CBOS in November 2024 showed that:
- 65% of consumers began to choose more frequently the products of brands of its own commercial networks,
- 42% limited purchases of meat and fish for cheaper plant products,
- 37% Poles benefit from promotion and sale, planning to buy more in advance.
The interest in local markets and fairs has besides increased, where vegetable and fruit prices are frequently more competitive than in large commercial networks.
Is there any chance of reduction?
Expert forecasts are cautious. In 2025, the pace of rising food prices may slow down somewhat, but this does not mean returning to lower levels. Economists foretell that the price increase in 2025 will be around 8-10 %which will proceed to be felt for consumers.
One possible solution is further government support for farmers, e.g. in the form of fertilizer subsidies or taxation exemptions. It is besides crucial to make local supply systems and to support short supply chains that can reduce transport and food retention costs.
Record food prices in Poland are the consequence of many factors – from inflation to climate change to global logistics problems. In the face of rising costs of living, Poles must look for fresh ways to save money, and the government and the agricultural sector must act to stabilise the market. Although the outlook for 2025 is moderately optimistic, the situation requires further monitoring and concrete action at different levels.
Continued here:
Food prices in Poland are breaking records – what does that mean for consumers?
