Food prices in Ireland have increased by 4.6% over the past 12 months, significantly outpacing overall inflation, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office.
The CSO’s latest flash estimate shows food costs rose by 0.2% in July alone, contributing to continued pressure on household budgets despite overall inflation remaining relatively stable at 1.6% annually.
Ireland’s overall inflation rate matches the June figure and compares favorably to the Eurozone average of 2.0% for the same period. The EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices increased by 0.2% month-on-month in July.
Energy prices showed mixed signals, rising 1.5% in July but falling 0.3% over the full year. Transport costs declined 2.7% annually despite a 1.2% monthly increase.
CSO statistician Anthony Dawson noted that when excluding energy and unprocessed food, prices grew by 1.7% since July 2024, indicating broad-based but moderate price pressures across other sectors.
The data reveals food inflation remains a key concern for Irish consumers, rising at nearly three times the rate of general inflation. This trend reflects ongoing supply chain pressures and global food commodity price increases affecting household spending power.
Eurostat is expected to publish comparative Eurozone inflation figures on August 1st.