Store prices are rising. List of products that have improved most

The year 2025 does not bring the price increase expected by consumers. Last December data show that daily purchases averaged 5.6% compared to year-to-year. Although the dynamics of price growth is no longer as violent as in the inflation summit in 2022 and 2023, it inactive hits Poles' portfolios. Moreover, among the most costly products are those that form the basis of a regular diet.

Prices in December: key figures

According to an analysis carried out by the GfK investigation institute, all categories of food products have seen price increases. December 2024:

• Milk products have increased the 7.3%.
• Meat and meats have increased 6.5%.
• Fruit and vegetables costed on average by 4.9% more than a year earlier.
• Bread and cereal products recorded price increases at 6.1%.

The highest price increases were recorded for dairy products and eggs which cost more due to rising production costs, including feed and energy.

The most costly products

In particular, respective product groups have become more expensive:

1. Butter – the price of butter cube increased on average by 8.5% compared to December 2023.
2. Milk and cream – for a litre of milk consumers paid in December 2024 by 7.8% moreand the cream brought about 9.2%.
3. Eggs – their prices increased by 9.7%, resulting from the expanding cost of breeding hens and fresh animal welfare requirements.
4. Poultry meat – growth by 6.4% compared to year-to-year, mainly due to the increase in feed and energy prices.

Food inflation: reasons for price increases

Increasing prices in stores are a consequence of respective key factors:

• Energy and gas costs – despite a slight fall in energy prices in the second half of 2024, its level remains higher than before the crisis. Production and transport costs proceed to affect the prices in the shops.
• Increase in wages – manufacturers and sellers are forced to rise employees' salaries, which besides translates into product final prices.
• Climate change – in 2024 Poland experienced utmost weather phenomena that affected lower harvests of any vegetables and fruits, especially potatoes and apples.
• New EU regulations – the environmental standards introduced in 2024 forced manufacturers to adapt to the fresh standards, which increased production costs.

What will 2025 bring?

Experts foretell that the increase in food prices will proceed in the first half of 2025, although dynamics should slow down. Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego estimates that food inflation in 2025 will average 4.5%, which means slower price increases than in erstwhile years.

On the another hand, the situation in the energy marketplace and climate change stay key hazard factors that may affect further price increases.

How do consumers respond to costly prices?

In consequence to rising prices, Poles increasingly change their purchasing habits. According to investigation firm NielsenIQ:

• 56% of consumers declares that it more frequently chooses own brand products which are cheaper than brand products.
• 42% of Poles restricts purchases in fixed stores by switching to online promotions and purchases.
• More and more popular local productswhich are frequently cheaper than imported.

In addition, many consumers are looking for ways to save money, specified as making wholesale purchases or utilizing applications offering returns for purchases.

Role of promotions and rebates

In the face of rising prices, commercial networks intensify promotional activities to attract customers. In December 2024 until 30% of food purchases in Poland was made as part of the promotion. Shops offer discounts on basic products specified as bread, butter or milk to reduce the negative impact of costly household budgets.

The year 2025 begins with a continuation of the increase in food prices, which is simply a challenge for many Polish families. Although the dynamics of price growth seems to slow down, key products inactive cost more, burdening home budgets. It is worth monitoring the marketplace and utilizing available tools specified as purchasing applications and promotions to minimise the effects of inflation.

Ignacy Michałowski

Expert in economics, finance and OSINT with more than 20 years of experience. Author of publications in leading global media, active in global journalism projects.