Food prices in Italy have risen 25% since 2021. The increase is almost eight points higher than the overall consumer price index. The data comes from Istat, the national statistics institute.
According to the latest information, the increase in the value of supermarket purchases exceeds the accumulated inflation during the period.
Impact on family budgets
The consumer association Codacons estimates that the price increase has added an average of 1.900 euros to the annual food expenditure of Italian families over the last five years.
Assoutenti, on the other hand, states that one in three families has reduced expenses on food.
Ten years ago, a single person spent an average of 290 euros per month at the supermarket. Of that total, approximately 58 euros were spent on meat, 70 euros on fruits and vegetables, and 9 euros on coffee and tea, according to Istat.
In 2024, the most recent year with consolidated data, the average monthly expenditure of a single person reached €338,50. This figure represents a 16% increase compared to 2016.
Regional differences
A survey by the National Observatory of Prices and Tariffs, analyzed by Codacons in 18 Italian cities, points to significant differences between regions.
The highest costs were recorded in Milan and Bolzanoin the north of the country. The lowest levels are found in Naples, Bari and Catanzaro, in the south.
In Bolzano, a cappuccino costs an average of 2,29 euros. In Rome, the price is about one euro less.
A kilo of tomatoes costs 2,72 euros in Naples. In Turin, it costs 3,87 euros. In Bolzano, it reaches about 4,58 euros.
A liter of milk costs on average 1,22 euros in Milan, 1,11 euros in Bari, and 1,16 euros in Florence.
Products most affected
The National Consumer Price Index for the Collective, known as NIC, shows which items have increased the most.
Analysis by Federconsumatori indicates price increases for beef, rice, coffee, and chocolate.
Olive oil, vegetables, and some fruits, however, showed a decrease or remained stable.
The Observatory's data, available since 2021, shows the evolution of prices.
In 2021, one kilogram of rice in Catanzaro It used to cost around 1,90 euros. Today, the price has reached 2,39 euros, an increase of over 25%.
In Rome, by the end of 2025, consumers were paying on average 26,6% more for beef and 44,8% more for chocolate compared to four years earlier.
Coffee registered one of the biggest price increases. The price went from 9,54 euros per kilo in 2021 to 17,31 euros in 2025. The variation exceeds 80%.
Investigation in progress
Consumer advocacy groups have requested that the national antitrust authority investigate the case.
An investigation has been opened into major retail chains in the agri-food supply chain. The process is ongoing.
FOLLOW-US
