'Get used to higher food costs' - inflation hitting consumers' pockets with the price of butter alone up 50pc

"There continues to be upward pressure on meat prices and dairy products,"

"These differences have very real consequences for consumers,"

"For lower-income households, who might spend a larger share on essentials, these spikes hit much harder."

Meat, milk, sugar, olive oil and butter prices have increased substantially, while staples like bread have risen only modestly. Beef and veal costs climbed over 20% by the end of last year. Yogurt increased only 0.5%, but butter is up 8.1% this year and almost 50% over five years; its index includes major brands and supermarket own labels. Sugar costs rose 56% and olive oil 53% in the last decade. Coffee, tea and cocoa are up 21% over ten years. Climate change and severe storms have reduced harvests for some crops. Plant-based foods and fruits and vegetables show more modest, steadier price changes. Price spikes disproportionately affect lower-income households and are expected to continue.

Read at Irish Independent