Spain's food inflation over the past year is marked by the soaring price of extra virgin olive oil, according to a survey by consumer group Facua. The study, which analyzed 30 food category prices from January 2023 to January 2024, revealed a 69% price increase for olive oil. Other notable increases include a 52% rise for a 500-gram punnet of strawberries and a 31% hike for a five-kilo bag of potatoes.
The survey studied prices in major retailers such as Alcampo, Aldi, Carrefour, Dia, Eroski, Hipercor, Lidl, and Mercadona. It also compared the prices of 13 products at the point of origin and the final price for customers. Facua's findings suggest that supermarkets' profit margins have often surpassed increases at source, indicating potential profiteering.
The report also noted significant price fluctuations for fruits and vegetables, including Fuji apples, carrots, sliced mushrooms, and onions. Facua is set to present its findings to the government, calling for an investigation into potential law violations regarding essential products that received a VAT cut in 2023.
Source: theolivepress.es