NIQ Global Intelligence plc
09/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/24/2026 00:29
Foodservice price inflation persists as global commodity markets rebound
Foodservice price index August:
Food and drink prices in hospitality rose by 0.2% month-on-month in July, the latest Foodservice Price Index from NIQ and Prestige Purchasing reveals.
Upward movement in prices indicates that inflationary pressures remain firmly embedded across the hospitality supply chain, driven by a strengthening of underlying global commodity markets and ongoing weather-related concerns.
High-inflation areas of the Index in August included the Sugar, Jam, Syrups and Chocolate category. Global sugar market prices moved sharply upwards as adverse weather conditions in Europe and Asia, combined with lower production in Brazil, significantly tightened supply expectations. These factors overshadowed a slight monthly decline in domestic pricing, highlighting the vulnerability of the category to international market shocks.
The Meat and Poultry category also returned to inflation, reflecting renewed pressure across global protein markets. Strong demand and constrained supplies, particularly for pork and lamb, pushed international prices higher, further exacerbated by elevated feed and operational costs.
Elsewhere in the Foodservice Price Index, the Milk, Cheese and Eggs category recorded its highest month-on-month increase in several months, after a tightening of raw milk availability in Europe due to hot and dry weather drove cheese and milk powder prices up. There was upward momentum in the Oils and Fats category as global vegetable oil markets hit their highest level since 2022, following high demand for palm and soybean oils and concerns over the potential impact of El Niño.
These increases were partly balanced by deflationary movements in some areas of fresh produce. Prices dropped in the Vegetables category thanks to favourable domestic supply conditions, although prolonged dry weather in the UK and Europe threatens future yields for several field-grown crops. Fruit inflation eased, driven by strong seasonal availability of UK-grown soft fruits, stone fruits and early apples. Despite this relief, overall inflation is a sign that climate variability and global supply constraints continue to exert persistent upward pressure on foodservice costs.
Shaun Allen, CEO of Prestige Purchasing, said: "While a 0.4% month-on-month increase shows that inflation remains in the market, it is a relatively minor fluctuation that suggests a level of temporary calm across the broader supply chain. We are seeing strong domestic supply in fresh produce actively balancing out the more volatile global commodity markets like sugar and dairy. However, operators should enjoy this relative stability while remaining highly vigilant. The overarching trend still points to persistent, underlying pressures driven by climate variability and geopolitics. The calm we are experiencing now requires proactive, strategic planning to ensure businesses are resilient when the next wave of global volatility hits."
Reuben Pullan, senior insight consultant in the hospitality operators and food team at NIQ, said: "The monthly uptick in foodservice price inflation is an unwelcome development as hospitality moves towards the crucial quarter of the year. It adds yet further to the huge burden of costs on operators, who will be anxious for targeted support in the government's October Budget. An easing of some fresh produce prices is welcome, but an exceptionally hot and dry summer means respite may be limited. Sustained relief on inflation is likely to be some way off for businesses and consumers alike."
For further information, interviews or images, contact Prestige Purchasing on 01908 222678 or [email protected].
About Prestige Purchasing
Prestige Purchasing is one of the UK's leading specialists in procurement and supply chain management for the hospitality, catering, leisure, retail and private healthcare sectors.
About NIQ
NielsenIQ (NYSE: NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete and trusted understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. By combining an unmatched global data footprint and granular consumer and retail measurement with decades of AI modeling expertise, NIQ builds decision systems that help companies turn complex data into confident action.
With operations in more than 90 countries, NIQ covers approximately 82% of the world's population and more than $7.4 trillion in global consumer spend. Through cloud-based platforms, advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, NIQ delivers The Full View™-helping brands and retailers understand what consumers buy, why they buy it, and what to do next.
For more information, please visit www.niq.com.
Forward looking statement
This press release regarding sales trends on Britain's hospitality sector food and drink prices may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated consumer behaviors, market trends, and industry developments. These statements reflect current expectations and projections based on available data, historical patterns, and various assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "likely," "may," "poised to,", and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and are subject to inherent uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. While we strive to base our insights on reliable data and sound methodologies, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.
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NIQ Global Intelligence plc published this content on September 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 24, 2026 at 06:29 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]