(BERLIN) - Food prices in Germany have increased by 36.3 percent in the last five years, exceeding the general inflation. The Left Party proposed tighter controls to counter the market power of large grocery chains and the abolition of VAT on basic foods.
Food prices in Germany increased above general inflation between 2020 and 2025. According to the Federal Government's data, food prices increased by 36.3 percent during this period, while general inflation was at 22 percent.
According to data shared by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, the highest price increases were seen in poultry meat, dairy products and eggs, edible oils and sugar. Price increases in fruit, fish, beverages and ready-made foods were more limited.
German Left Party Deputy Ina Latendorf argued that the government did not take sufficient steps against the market power of large supermarket chains in the food sector. Latendorf requested the establishment of a price observation center to regularly monitor food prices and limit the profit margins of food companies.
Latendorf, who also suggested the abolition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on basic food products, stated that this was necessary to protect low-income segments against increasing living costs.