Poles must prepare for any of the biggest increases in food prices in years. Credit Agricole forecasts show that in 2025 food inflation may exceed 5% and the prices of basic products – fruit, vegetables and meat – will endure the most. This is the consequence of cumulative problems: catastrophic weather phenomena, expanding production costs and difficulties in supply chains.
Fruits become a luxury good
According to the latest forecasts, prices Fruits can grow by as much as 14.2%. This is the highest rate among all food groups analysed. They will be peculiarly hurt apples, plums, cherries and another seasonal fruits that form the foundation of a healthy diet for many families.
Such an increase in prices means that for the average Polish household regular consumption of fresh fruit will become a serious financial burden. This will be felt most by households with children and wellness professionals.
Vegetables are expensive, but not all
Prices vegetables will besides go up – according to forecasts it is possible increase by about 7%. Products specified as carrots, cabbage, onions or broccoli will cease to be a inexpensive and widely available component of regular meals.
Against this background potatoes, tomatoes and zucchini may constitute an exception – their prices may fall or stay stable. These are plants little delicate to weather anomalies and easier in mass production.
The climate ruined the crop. Polish village under water
Market speculation is not behind the dramatic situation, but climate disasters. In the spring many regions of Poland experienced frostwhich have destroyed much of the fruit crops. In the summertime droughts and floods They completely destroyed the crop.
Especially affected southern voivodshipswhere fertile soils have been drowned. Losses are not only quantitative, but besides qualitative — products are smaller, more susceptible to illness and do not meet export standards.
Long-term effects will besides be felt in the following seasons – agricultural infrastructure has been damaged and any farmers will not be able to start production again in the following year.
Meat's getting more expensive. Poultry and beef out of range
Problems are not limited to plants. The meat sector is besides deteriorating. Poultry, yet the cheapest origin of protein, is costly at a fast rateWhich means the end of the inexpensive chop for dinner.
The situation with beefwhose prices are already the highest on the marketplace today. Forecasts propose further growth, which makes this product virtually unavailable to a large part of consumers.
Butter, which has been costly from week to week for months, may somewhat stabilise its price. Nevertheless, as analysts point out, it will be alternatively stability at a advanced levelthan going back to lower values.
More and more costly production: energy, transport, labour
In addition to climate conditions, rising prices are besides due to production costs. In fresh months, there have been crucial increases:
- prices of electricity and gas,
- Fuel and transport costs,
- expenditure on seasonal workers.
All this translates into higher final prices products that we see in stores. Each phase of the supply chain – from field to processing to store shelf – becomes more expensive.
Consumers request to change their purchasing strategy
In the face of the upcoming increases, experts advise change of approach to purchases. Among the most crucial recommendations are:
- purchase of seasonal products – they are cheaper and more accessible,
- planning purchases and avoiding food waste,
- use of promotions and loyalty programs,
- stocking during periodic price reductions.
Such measures can importantly reduce the cost of living, especially in low income households.
Farmers invest in technology, but forecasts are uncertain
Food producers are trying to adapt to changing realities. They are increasingly investing in:
- modern agricultural technologies (automation, humidity sensors, crop monitoring),
- modernisation of holdings,
- direct sales, bypassing intermediaries.
However, without climate and energy stabilityEven the best technologies will not warrant low prices. They will besides play a large function global prices of natural materials, specified as fertilizers or feed that are powerfully linked to the global situation.
Perspective: strategy changes needed
Year 2025 may be turning point for food policy in Poland. Economists and farmers are increasingly calling for:
- system support for climate-resistant agriculture,
- subsidies to the most susceptible sectors,
- consumer education in conscious nutrition.
Without coordinated action at both national and local level, the coming years can bring Increasing food exclusion and deepen social inequalities.
Continued here:
Dramatic increases in food prices. Urgent call made
