Ireland Is Now One of the Most Expensive Places in Europe for Food and Drink
Ireland Is Now One of the Most Expensive Places in Europe for Food and Drink
Shopping is getting more and more expensive.
Ireland is the second most expensive country in the Eurozone for food and alcohol, with Irish consumers paying well above the EU average for many everyday items, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
A CSO analysis of recent European Commission data shows that Irish food prices are 12% higher than the EU average, and alcohol prices are nearly double. The country is now ranked as the most expensive in Europe for both non-alcoholic drinks and cigarettes. Prices for beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water are 40% above the EU average, a stark reflection of Ireland’s widening cost gap. From a morning coffee to a bottle of juice, even small daily purchases are adding up fast for Irish consumers, reinforcing growing concerns about affordability and the broader cost-of-living crisis.
Irish prices for bread and cereals are 17% higher than the EU average. Milk, cheese, and eggs cost 11% more; fruit, vegetables, and potatoes are 9% higher; oils and fats are 6% more expensive; and fish prices are up by 5%. Meat is the only food category where Irish prices are not above the EU average.
These figures come as concerns mount over the cost of living. CSO data shows that food inflation is now outpacing overall inflation, with grocery prices rising at more than double the rate of general inflation. A Barnardos survey found that over 40% of families are cutting back on essentials, with some parents skipping meals so their children can eat.
The Government appears to be prioritising the hospitality sector in the upcoming Budget, with a planned VAT cut expected to cost €1 billion.
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