Global food prices were steady in September, as lower sugar prices were offset by increased quotations for vegetable oils and meat, according to the latest data from the UN’s Food Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Judie Bizzozero, Content Director

October 8, 2019

1 Min Read
Food commodity prices

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 170 points in September 2019, virtually unchanged from August, and 3.3% higher than September 2018.

The Cereal Price Index averaged 157.6 points in September, nearly identical to its August average and down 3.9% from September 2018. Wheat prices were firmer in September amid brisk trade activity, though they remained 11% below the same time last year. Maize prices were down month-on-month, while rice prices fell modestly amid slow import demand and uncertainties surrounding policies in the Philippines and Nigeria.

The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 135.7 points in September, up 1.4% from August, marking the highest level in 13 months. The increase was driven by steady demand from India and China for palm oil imports and higher price quotations for rapeseed oil, linked to firm demand from the European Union's biodiesel sector. Soy and sunflower oil prices both dropped.

The Dairy Price Index declined 0.6%, as higher quotations for milk powders were more than offset by falling cheese and butter prices, especially at the lower end of the price range.

The Sugar Price Index averaged 168 points in September, down 3.9% from August. The decline was largely driven by expectations of ample stocks and supply trends as well as reduced demand in Brazil for sugarcane to use in the production of ethanol.

The Meat Price Index averaged 181.5 points in September, up 0.8% from August, driven by solid import demand from China. While pig meat prices in China, the world's largest market, remained at the high levels recorded in August, increased export supplies in Europe prodded pig meat prices in international mark. Poultry meat prices remained stable, as export availabilities were adequate to meet import demand.

About the Author(s)

Judie Bizzozero

Content Director, Informa Markets Health & Nutrition

Judie Bizzozero oversees food and beverage content strategy and development for the Health & Nutrition group at Informa Markets (which acquired VIRGO in 2014), including the Food & Beverage Insider, Natural Products Insider and SupplySide/Food ingredients North America brands. She reports on market trends, science-based ingredients, and challenges and solutions in the development of healthy foods and beverages. Bizzozero graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

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