July 31, 3019
Prices at the grocery store through the rest of 2019 are expected to increase between 0.5 and 1.5 %.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, this is below the 20-year average trend of 2% for retail food prices. Consumers should enjoy the fourth year in a row with deflating or lower-than-average inflating retail food prices.
Several products could continue to see lower prices, including pork, other meats, eggs, fats and oils and fresh fruits.
Beef and veal, poultry, fish and seafood, processed fruits and vegetables, sugars and sweets and other foods are all expected to increase, but at rates lower than their 20-year historical averages.
Fresh vegetables and cereal and bakery products will likely increase at rates greater than their 20-year historical averages.
Electricity and diesel costs, as well as many other costs associated with food production, transport and retail sales, are expected to rise, placing upward pressure on prices. Food-away-from-home prices are expected to continue growing at a consistent rate and to increase in a range between 2 and 3% in 2019.
For the complete USDA food price report, visit https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/.