FAO Global Food Price Index Declines for the Fifth Consecutive Month in February 2026
In January 2026, the average value of the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) was 123.9 points, which is 0.5 points (0.4%) lower than in December. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline, driven by falling prices for dairy products, meat, and sugar, which completely offset the increase in the cost of grains and vegetable oils. Year-on-year, the FFPI decreased by 0.8 points (0.6%), and compared to the peak in March 2022, it fell by 36.4 points (22.7%).
This is reported by AgroReview
Global Grain Price Trends
The FAO Grain Price Index reached 107.5 points in January, which is only 0.2 points (0.2%) higher than the December figure, but 4.4 points (3.9%) lower than last year. Global wheat prices remained almost unchanged, decreasing by 0.4%, while corn prices fell by 0.2%, attributed to high supply and positive harvest forecasts in Argentina and Australia. Barley prices increased due to strong demand, while sorghum prices slightly declined. Meanwhile, the FAO index for all types of rice rose by 1.8% due to increased demand, particularly for aromatic varieties.
Price Movements for Oils, Meat, Dairy Products, and Sugar
The average value of the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index in January was 168.6 points, exceeding the December figure by 3.4 points (2.1%) and last year’s by 10.2%. The increase was driven by rising prices for palm, soybean, and sunflower oils, which compensated for the decline in canola oil prices. Palm and soybean oils increased in price due to seasonal production cuts and high demand, while sunflower oil prices rose due to supply shortages in the Black Sea region.
The FAO Meat Price Index in January stood at 123.8 points, which is 0.5 points (0.4%) lower than December, but 7.1 points (6.1%) higher than last year. The decline in pork prices was offset by stable beef and lamb prices and an increase in poultry meat prices.
The FAO Dairy Price Index fell for the seventh consecutive month, reaching 121.8 points in January, which is 6.4 points (5%) lower than December and 21.3 points (14.9%) below last year’s level. The decrease was driven by falling prices for cheese and butter, which overshadowed a slight increase in prices for skimmed milk powder.
The average value of the FAO Sugar Price Index in January was 89.8 points, which is 0.9 points (1%) lower than December and 21.4 points (19.2%) below last year’s figure. The decline is attributed to the expected increase in global sugar stocks, primarily due to a high harvest in India and favorable prospects in Thailand and Brazil.
