Global food prices hit new high in September, sugar sees sharpest rise

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that its global food price index rose by 1.5% in September, reaching 136 points. This marks the highest level since November 2022 and the third consecutive monthly increase.

Sugar prices rise the most

Sugar recorded the sharpest increase among tracked commodities, with prices climbing 6.1% worldwide to reach their highest level since April 2025. The rise comes amid growing concerns about global sugar supplies for the 2026/2027 season.

Grain prices also climb, meat prices dip slightly

Grain prices rose significantly as well, up 5.1% to their highest level since December 2023. Meat prices, however, moved in the opposite direction, falling 1.1% in September.

Vegetable oils pushed up by palm oil

Vegetable oil prices increased by 0.9% globally, a rise largely driven by higher palm oil prices on international markets.

The FAO food price index is a widely used indicator reflecting trends in global agricultural commodity markets and is often cited in forecasts about the cost of living in countries around the world.