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Irish Examiner
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Shopping basket staples rose in price by 4.6% in the past year
Food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose 4.6% in the past year, with higher prices for staples like milk, meat, cheese, and eggs, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows. Data released by the Central Statistics Office on Thursday shows the overall CPI rose by 1.8% between June 2024 and June 2025, up from an annual increase of 1.7% in the 12 months to May 2025. The divisions with the largest increase in the 12 months to June 2025 was food and non-alcoholic drink (+4.6%). This was due to higher prices across a range of products including chocolate, meet, milk, cheese, and eggs. The national average price for a white sliced pan increased by 6c in the year to June 2025, while the same size brown sliced pan increased by 5c in the year. "The annual change in food and non-alcoholic beverages costs reflects a rise in prices across a range of products, such as beef and veal and butter," said CSO statistician in the prices division Anthony Dawson. The next largest rise in prices was in areas of recreation and culture (+3.5%). Recreation and culture rose mainly due to higher prices for package holidays. Restaurants and hotels increased primarily due to higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants, and cafes. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in the cost of hotel accommodation. Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI grew by 2.0% in the 12 months to June 2025. The divisions to record the largest declines when compared with June 2024 were Clothing & Footwear (-2.3%) and Transport (-2.0%). "Transport decreased primarily due to lower prices for airfares, petrol and diesel. This reduction was partially offset by higher prices for the maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment," the CSO said. Clothing and footwear declined due to slower sales in the period. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased primarily due to higher rents, and an increase in the cost of electricity. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in the price of liquid fuels (home heating oil). Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance decreased primarily due to lower prices for household textiles and furniture and furnishings. The national average price of a take-home 50cl can of lager at €2.41 was down 2c from June 2024, while a take-home 50cl can of cider at €2.71 was up 3c. In June 2025, the national average price of a pint of stout in a pub was €6.07, up 27c in the year, while a pint of lager was €6.49, up 29c compared with June 2024.
Irish Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Price of dairy products in Ireland soars as shocking food cost figures emerge
There has been a spike in the price of some food and drink products over the last year, with the average price of butter costing an extra €1.10 compared to last year, latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show. Food inflation rose by 4.6 per cent since June of last year, more than double that of the general Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose by 1.8 per cent in the same period. The figures show that excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI grew by 2 per cent in the 12 months to June this year. The national average price of full fat milk per two litres was up 27 cents in the year, while butter per lb rose by €1.10 and the average price of Irish cheddar per kg increased by 95 cents. The CPI for June shows that the price of a pound of butter rose by 28 per cent to €4.83 from June last year to last month. The prices of dairy products experienced a sharp rise over the last 12 months, with milk, butter and cheese most affected. The national average price for bread – a white sliced 800g pan – increased by six cents in the year to June 2025, while the same size brown sliced pan increased by five cents in the year. Spaghetti per 500g was unchanged in the year, while the average price for 2.5kg of potatoes was down 29 cents. The national average price of a take-home 50cl can of lager at €2.41 was down two cents from June 2024, while a take-home 50cl can of cider at €2.71 was up three cents. In June 2025, the national average price of a pint of stout in licensed premises was €6.07, up 27 cents in the year, while a pint of lager was €6.49, up 29 cents compared with June 2024. Other areas affected by sharp inflation increases were recreation and culture, which spiked by 3.5 per cent. The divisions to record the largest declines when compared with June 2024 were clothing and footwear, which fell by 2.3 per cent, and transport, which dropped by 2 per cent. Consumer prices rose by 0.5 per cent in the month between May 2025 and June 2025. Anthony Dawson, statistician in the Prices Division, said: "Today's release of the CPI shows that prices for consumer goods and services in June 2025 rose by 1.8 per cent on average when compared with June 2024. "The most significant increases in the 12 months to June 2025 were seen in food and non-alcoholic beverages (+4.6 per cent) and recreation and culture (+3.5 per cent). "The annual change in food and non-alcoholic beverages costs reflects a rise in prices across a range of products, such as beef and veal and butter. "Clothing and footwear (-2.3 per cent) and transport (-2.0 per cent) were the divisions to show the largest declines when compared with June 2024. "Consumer prices in June 2025 rose by 0.5 per cent in the month compared with June 2024, when prices were up by 0.4 per cent in the month. "In June 2025, the most significant monthly price changes were in recreation and culture (+3.6 per cent) and transport (+1.2 per cent). "The increase in recreation and culture was due to higher prices for package holidays. "Clothing and footwear (-0.5per cent) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (-0.4 per cent) were the divisions to show the largest declines when compared with May 2025."
Agriland
10-07-2025
- Business
- Agriland
CSO: Beef and butter price rises lead to consumer price increase
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.8% between June 2024 and June 2025, up from an annual increase of 1.7% in the 12 months to May 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI grew by 2% in the 12 months to June 2025. The divisions with the largest increases in the 12 months to June 2025 were 'Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages' (+4.6%) and 'Recreation & Culture' (+3.5%). The divisions to record the largest declines when compared with June 2024 were 'Clothing & Footwear' (-2.3%) and 'Transport' (-2%). Consumer prices rose by 0.5% in the month between May 2025 and June 2025. The divisions with the largest growth in the month were 'Recreation & Culture' (+3.6%) and 'Transport' (+1.2%). The divisions with the largest declines in the month were 'Clothing & Footwear' (-0.5%) and 'Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco' (-0.4%). Commenting on the release, statistician in the Prices Division, Anthony Dawson said: 'Today's release of the CPI shows that prices for consumer goods and services in June 2025 rose by 1.8% on average when compared with June 2024. 'The most significant increases in the 12 months to June 2025 were seen in Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+4.6%) and Recreation & Culture (+3.5%). 'The annual change in Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages costs reflects a rise in prices across a range of products, such as beef and veal and butter. Clothing & Footwear (-2.3%) and Transport (-2%) were the divisions to show the largest declines when compared with June 2024,' he added. Monthly changes Consumer prices in June 2025 rose by 0.5% in the month compared with June 2024, when prices were up by 0.4% in the month. In June 2025, the most significant monthly price changes were in 'Recreation & Culture' (+3.6%) and 'Transport' (+1.2%). The increase in 'Recreation & Culture' was due to higher prices for package holidays. 'Clothing & Footwear' (-0.5%) and 'Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco' (-0.4%) were the divisions to show the largest declines when compared with May 2025. National average prices The National Average Prices for selected goods and services for June 2025 are also published today (Wednesday, July 10). The National Average Prices are compiled together with the CPI. National Average Prices for selected goods and services for June 2025. Source: CSO Ireland Commenting on the National Average Prices, Anthony Dawson said: 'There were price increases in June 2025 for a pound of butter (+€1.10), Irish cheddar per kg (+95c), 2L of full fat milk (+27c), an 800g loaf of white sliced pan (+6c), and an 800g loaf of brown sliced pan (+5c). 'There was a reduction in the price of a 2.5kg bag of potatoes (-29c) while the price of spaghetti per 500g remained unchanged when compared with June 2024.'
Irish Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Price of grocery staples running well ahead of general inflation
Irish consumers are paying €1.10 more for a pound of butter than this time last year, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) . The figure comes as the annual rate of inflation overall edged up to 1.8 per cent in June, from 1.7 per cent the previous month, the lowest reading this year. Excluding energy and unprocessed food, prices in general were 2 per cent higher than at this time last year. On a monthly basis, prices were 0.5 per cent higher compared to May, driven in large part by higher cost of package holidays which jumped 22.1 per cent. That saw the recreation and culture sector report inflation of 3.6 per cent for the month. The most significant increases on an annual basis were seen in the food and non-alcoholic beverages sector where prices in general were 4.6 per cent higher. But prices for some grocery staples jumped considerably more than that. READ MORE Anthony Dawson, a statistician in the agency's prices division, said butter, which now retails at around €3.99 a pound for own store brands and €5.49 for Kerrygold, was €1.10 more expensive than 12 months ago. Other dairy basics have also recorded substantial increases with Mr Dawson saying that shoppers were paying, on average, 95 cent a kilo more for cheddar cheese and 27 cent more for a litre of milk. The biggest increase over the past 12 months is in the price of beef and veal, which is now almost 22 per cent more expensive than in June 2024, according to the CSO. Those with a sweet tooth are paying 17.5 per cent more for chocolate. Bread prices have risen much more modestly, up between five and six cent for a standard sliced pan while pasta prices are unchanged. And a 2.5 kilo bag of potatoes was actually 29 cent cheaper in June than at the same time last year, the CSO found. Some sectors, including clothing and footwear, reported lower prices, down 2.3 per cent on the year. Transport costs are also 1.2 per cent lower than this time last year, although they did jump 1.2 per cent between May and June. Alcohol prices are down 1.1 per cent overall on an annual basis though the price of beer did rise over that time. As the Government continues to try to come to grips with the housing crisis, the CSO figures show that rents are 4.8 per cent higher than in June last year even as mortgage costs for homeowners dipped by 0.5 per cent. Home maintenance costs are also running ahead of the general rate of inflation at 3.5 per cent on an annualised basis. On energy, despite the easing of the energy crisis, consumers are still paying 1.3 per cent more for electricity than at the same time in 2024, and a more modest 0.5 per cent more for gas. However, motor fuels prices are lower, down 4.4 per cent on average compared with 12 months ago.
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Food prices surge by up to 22pc putting huge strain on family budgets
Overall prices were up by 1.8pc in the year to June, the latest inflation figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show. But food and non-alcoholic beverages prices are rising at more than twice the level general inflation, up by 4.6pc in the year to June. Meat prices are up by more than a fifth over the last year alone. The cost of a pound of butter is now up by €1.10 in the year. Irish cheddar cheese is almost €1 dearer per kilogram since last year, with two litres of full fat milk up by 27c in the year. Bread prices have also shot up, the CSO said. Shoppers are also being hit with raging price rises for meat, chocolate and eggs. The cost of striploin steak is up more than €5 per kilogram in the past year. It now costs €28.63 per kg, up from €23.37 since June last year. That is a rise of €5.26, or 22.5pc. This surge in prices means it will no longer be an option for many families to buy such an expensive cut of meat. ADVERTISEMENT But even minced meat has jump in price. Diced beef is now €13.26 per kilo, a rise €2.42 in a year. This works out at a surge of 22pc. Roast beef and pork prices are also way up. Separate recent CSO figures found prices being paid to cattle farmers rose by 50pc in the year to April. A white sliced ban (88g) is now 6c dearer than last year at €1.67. A bag of potatoes (2.5kg) is up in price by 29c in the year to €3.81, the CSO said. Irish cheddar cheese now costs €11.34 per kilogram, up by 95c in the year. A pound of butter is now €4.83, up €1.10 in a year. CSO statistician Anthony Dawson said: 'There were price increases in June 2025 for a pound of butter (+€1.10), Irish cheddar per kg (+95c), two litres of full fat milk (+27c), an 800g loaf of white sliced pan (+6c), and an 800g loaf of brown sliced pan (+5c). "There was a reduction in the price of a 2.5kg bag of potatoes (-29c) while the price of spaghetti per 500g remained unchanged when compared with June 2024.' Food inflation is double the rate of general inflation, with many families being forced to stump up an additional €3,000 a year due to the rise in grocery prices. The fear is that they will continue rising after separate recent CSO figures found prices being paid to cattle farmers rose by 50pc in the year to April. Last month, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon warned that the recent surge in food prices is unlikely to be reversed. He said it reflects farmers' input costs. UCC economist Oliver Browne has calculated that grocery prices have increased by 36pc in the past four years. Last week a farming group blamed politicians for the rising cost of produce, warning consumers that the days of 'cheap food' are over. The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) also accused politicians of 'profound ignorance' as it blamed them for adding cost to food production. The ICSMA said rising food prices are here to stay. This week the Dáil also heard allegations of alleged 'price gouging' by supermarkets. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said that consumers 'have a right to know whether surging grocery prices reflect genuine input cost increases or blatant price gouging'. The Government said it would set to consider increasing fines for supermarkets found in breach of consumer laws.
